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.

Booking.com drops "Travel Sustainable" program
News / Online
Booking.com drops "Travel Sustainable" program
By Linda Fox | March 26, 2024
Booking.com has removed its "Travel Sustainable" badge recognizing properties for sustainability efforts following discussions with the Netherlands Consumer and Markets Authority. Read More
How technology is evolving to help hotels monetize spaces
News / Technology
How technology is evolving to help hotels monetize spaces
By Linda Fox | March 26, 2024
Travel technology companies including DerbySoft, Journey and Mews are helping hotels and other accommodation providers explore different revenue streams. Read More
Trip.com Group makes additional investment in PMS company Smart Order
News / Startups
Trip.com Group makes additional investment in PMS company Smart Order
By Mitra Sorrells | March 25, 2024
Also investing in this round is Chinese social media platform Xiaohongshu, which began working with Smart Order in 2020 and will now expand its offerings for hospitality clients to use its platform... Read More
Marriott tests AI search tool for rental product
News / Technology
Marriott tests AI search tool for rental product
By Linda Fox | March 22, 2024
The search with artificial intelligence tool is in a test phase initially and was developed in partnership with Publicis Sapient. Read More
STARTUP STAGE: NowBoarding is a commission-free distribution platform for travel brands
Interview / Startups
STARTUP STAGE: NowBoarding is a commission-free distribution platform for travel brands
By Mitra Sorrells | March 22, 2024
NowBoarding was founded by Christopher Moss, who previously founded Psngr1, a business travel management tool acquired by travel technology firm Snowfall in 2022. Read More
The evolution of marketplace tax requirements and the lodging industry
Event / Online
The evolution of marketplace tax requirements and the lodging industry
March 21, 2024
Join us for this free webinar produced in partnership with Avalara to gain valuable insights to help guide both existing online travel agencies and aspiring OTAs as they navigate their way through... On Demand
The rise of AI: Redefining property management systems for a digital age
News / Technology
The rise of AI: Redefining property management systems for a digital age
By Morgan Hines | March 21, 2024
Some experts see generative AI leading to big changes in property management systems. Will this technology limit the human touch in hospitality? Or create more time for guest services?   Read More
Funding for STR startups cooling but more resilient than other verticals
News / Startups
Funding for STR startups cooling but more resilient than other verticals
By Phocuswright Research | March 18, 2024
While there are typically multiple $100 million-dollar-plus funding rounds that occur in the short-term rental space in a given year, 2023 only featured one. Read More
Online travel giants set new record for marketing spend in ‘23
News / Online
Online travel giants set new record for marketing spend in ‘23
By Mitra Sorrells | March 13, 2024
Expedia Group, Booking Holdings, Airbnb and Trip.com Group collectively spent $16.8 billion on sales and marketing in 2023 as they compete with one another and with suppliers enticing travelers to book... Read More
Airbnb's Stephenson on expansion beyond the core and AI
News / Online
Airbnb's Stephenson on expansion beyond the core and AI
By PhocusWire | March 12, 2024
Airbnb announced CFO Dave Stephenson would be taking up the newly created role of chief business officer to oversee its growth plans. Read More
Airbnb banning indoor security cameras in all listings
News / Online
Airbnb banning indoor security cameras in all listings
By D.J. Catron | March 11, 2024
Airbnb had allowed security cameras in common areas, such as halls and living rooms, if they were disclosed on the listing page, clearly visible and were not in spaces like sleeping areas and bathrooms. Read More
Why the Olympics, Taylor Swift mean more to STRs than just a revenue boost
News / Distribution
Why the Olympics, Taylor Swift mean more to STRs than just a revenue boost
By D.J. Catron | March 7, 2024
As short-term rentals grapple with new regulations, major events and tourist preferences may help solidify their place in the travel industry.   Read More
Airbnb removes 100,000 listings, expands listing verification
News / Online
Airbnb removes 100,000 listings, expands listing verification
By Morgan Hines | March 4, 2024
 As part of its “spring update,” Airbnb shared news of de-listings, verification, highlights and more. Read More
TravelAI relaunches Casai website with focus on luxury short-term rentals
News / Online
TravelAI relaunches Casai website with focus on luxury short-term rentals
By D.J. Catron | March 1, 2024
After acquiring the domain name of the Latin American short-term rental startup, TravelAI will use the site to target travelers interested primarily in the Mediterranean and Caribbean.   Read More
Cabana founder on lessons learned from failed startup
Opinion / Startups
Cabana founder on lessons learned from failed startup
By Scott Kubly | March 1, 2024
Founded in 2019, Cabana offered a “hotel-on-wheels.” It had raised more than $17 million, had $2 million in annual revenue, and its more than 4,000 customers had booked 20,000 nights. Read More
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