Alternative Accommodation

PhocusWire's in-depth coverage of the alternative accommodation sector, featuring news, analysis, interviews, research and more on home-sharing, short-term rentals, timeshare, homestays and other property types.

Inspirato receives $10M, makes employee cuts, names new CEO
News / Online
Inspirato receives $10M, makes employee cuts, names new CEO
By Morgan Hines | August 13, 2024
The luxury travel subscription company received $10 million in equity financing, cut its workforce by 15% and named Payam Zamani as its new chairman and CEO.  Read More
HomeToGo reports Q2 booking revenues high
News / Technology
HomeToGo reports Q2 booking revenues high
By Linda Fox | August 13, 2024
The vacation rental marketplace and software subscription business believes its short breaks offering and recurring revenues are helping growth. Read More
Vacasa secures $30M in funding, business transformation ongoing
News / Distribution
Vacasa secures $30M in funding, business transformation ongoing
By Linda Fox | August 9, 2024
Vacation rental management company Vacasa announced a business transformation in May and has now secured financing of $30 million. Read More
AI-powered travel technology company FLYR raises $295M
News / Technology
AI-powered travel technology company FLYR raises $295M
By Morgan Hines | August 8, 2024
The funding will be used to speed FLYR’s delivery of modern reservation systems, to allow AI-based decision automation and to elevate digital channels for airlines and hospitality brands. Read More
Will Airbnb’s eventual relaunch of Experiences be successful?
News / Online
Will Airbnb’s eventual relaunch of Experiences be successful?
By Morgan Hines | August 8, 2024
Industry experts’ opinions vary as to whether Airbnb can pull off a successful relaunch of its Experiences vertical. Read More
Airbnb focused on “strategic priorities” amid solid second quarter
News / Online
Airbnb focused on “strategic priorities” amid solid second quarter
By Morgan Hines | August 6, 2024
Airbnb is looking ahead to expanding beyond its “core,” including the eventual relaunch of Airbnb Experiences, among other new features to roll out later this year and beyond. Read More
Winners, wipeouts and travel tech bets
News / Technology
Winners, wipeouts and travel tech bets
By Linda Fox | August 6, 2024
The increased M&A activity in travel is seeing companies such as Juniper Group, Mews and Lighthouse scoop up smaller travel technology providers and startups. Read More
Myne adds €40M for vacation home co-ownership platform expansion
News / Startups
Myne adds €40M for vacation home co-ownership platform expansion
By Linda Fox | August 1, 2024
The equity and debt round was led by Limestone Capital with existing investors Motive Ventures and Scope Hanson also involved. Read More
Guesty unveils AI-driven messaging tool for short-term rentals
News / Technology
Guesty unveils AI-driven messaging tool for short-term rentals
By D.J. Catron | July 31, 2024
“ReplyAI” uses generative AI algorithms to analyze guest and host correspondence to guide future responses. Read More
Short-term rentals’ efforts give new lease on life for vacated offices
News / Distribution
Short-term rentals’ efforts give new lease on life for vacated offices
By D.J. Catron | July 30, 2024
Executives from Bob W and Nestor Stay spoke at Phocuswright Europe about growth opportunities for the sector and the potential to revitalize urban areas that are losing office workers.   Read More
Travel investors on the next innovation wave
News / Startups
Travel investors on the next innovation wave
By Linda Fox | July 29, 2024
Travel investors from Lakestar, Roch Ventures and Eight Roads discuss the latest trends in travel startup funding at Phocuswright Europe 2024. Read More
PhocusWire's weekly travel tech news briefs: Traxo, Mews, Guestline and more
News / Online
PhocusWire's weekly travel tech news briefs: Traxo, Mews, Guestline and more
By PhocusWire | July 26, 2024
 Keep up with all the latest people, product and partner news from around the global travel industry in PhocusWire's weekly roundup. Read More
Google no longer removing third-party cookies, new Chrome experience planned
News / Technology
Google no longer removing third-party cookies, new Chrome experience planned
By Linda Fox | July 23, 2024
Travel brands and other e-commerce sellers have been focused on developing first-party data strategies since Google first announced it would put an end to third-party cookies in 2020. Read More
Selina facing insolvency, looks for buyers
News / Online
Selina facing insolvency, looks for buyers
By Mitra Sorrells | July 22, 2024
Founded in 2014, Selina said its properties are designed to enable millennial and Gen Z travelers to "seamlessly travel and work abroad," by combining accommodations with coworking and recreation... Read More
Indie Campers raises €35M to drive growth
News / Startups
Indie Campers raises €35M to drive growth
By D.J. Catron | July 18, 2024
Based in Lisbon, Indie Campers was founded in 2013 and won the Innovator of the Year award at Phocuswright Europe 2021's Summit competition.   Read More
The Phocuswright Conference 2026