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.

Layla launches, receives €3M in seed funding
News / Startups
Layla launches, receives €3M in seed funding
By Morgan Hines | November 30, 2023
The new app is an artificial intelligence-driven travel advisor that is meant to help users plan trips and book seamlessly. Read More
The effective use of data in travel marketing
News / Technology
The effective use of data in travel marketing
By PhocusWire | November 30, 2023
Demi Horvat of AirDNA and Kurt Weinsheimer of Sojern speak at The Phocuswright Conference about how travel data informs better decision-making.   Read More
NUMA swoops up YAYS to expand hospitality brand across Europe
News / Startups
NUMA swoops up YAYS to expand hospitality brand across Europe
By Linda Fox | November 28, 2023
A statement says the deal adds 489 units to NUMA's portfolio and claims it creates the leading player across Germany, Austria, Switzerland and the Benelux region of Belgium, the Netherlands... Read More
Outsite receives €300M in real estate funding as part of new partnership
News / Online
Outsite receives €300M in real estate funding as part of new partnership
By Morgan Hines | November 21, 2023
The company, which provides accommodations for digital nomads, is looking to grow its property count in Europe.  Read More
Airbnb, Mondee moves signal role of acquisitions in travel's race for AI
News / Technology
Airbnb, Mondee moves signal role of acquisitions in travel's race for AI
By Morgan Hines & Linda Fox | November 17, 2023
Last week's acquisitions by Airbnb and Mondee reflect a business strategy of chasing speed as the travel industry heads enter the AI race. Read More
European lawmakers agree on registration system for short-term rental hosts and platforms
News / Distribution
European lawmakers agree on registration system for short-term rental hosts and platforms
By Linda Fox | November 16, 2023
As a first step towards shaking short-term rentals rules across Europe, lawmakers have agreed on draft regulation for a registration system and data sharing. Read More
Airbnb acquires GamePlanner.AI
News / Technology
Airbnb acquires GamePlanner.AI
By Morgan Hines | November 14, 2023
Airbnb emphasizes artificial intelligence focus with a near $200 million acquisition. Read More
Travel M&A activity heats up in post-pandemic era
News / Startups
Travel M&A activity heats up in post-pandemic era
By Linda Fox | November 14, 2023
The report tracked a total of 1,758 companies sold between 2014 and Q3 2023 with the majority of the deals taking place in Europe, 42%, and the United States, 38%. Read More
Hot 25 Travel Startups for 2024: Kabuk
Interview / Startups
Hot 25 Travel Startups for 2024: Kabuk
By PhocusWire | November 14, 2023
Kabuk is a fast-growing fintech company in the travel space, operating a subscription type service we refer to as “HafH” - Home away from Home. Read More
Hot 25 Travel Startups for 2024: Kindred
Interview / Startups
Hot 25 Travel Startups for 2024: Kindred
By PhocusWire | November 14, 2023
By sharing their places with those they trust, Kindred members unlock a lifestyle richer with travel and human connection, staying in vetted, comfortable homes for a fraction of the cost of a... Read More
Hot 25 Travel Startups for 2024: The Host Co.
Interview / Startups
Hot 25 Travel Startups for 2024: The Host Co.
By PhocusWire | November 14, 2023
The Host Co. transforms short-term rentals into full service hospitality by adding instant concierge amenities: from spa and chef to in-rental shopping and beyond.  Read More
Expedia Group, Booking on coming together with “one voice” to support short-term rentals
News / Distribution
Expedia Group, Booking on coming together with “one voice” to support short-term rentals
By Mitra Sorrells | November 13, 2023
Expedia Group's Tim Rosolio and Booking.com's Ben Harrell spoke about working together to address regulatory challenges, the benefits that Google provides to the sector and strategies to drive more... Read More
Earnings roundup: Vacasa, HomeToGo, Amex GBT and Despegar
News / Online
Earnings roundup: Vacasa, HomeToGo, Amex GBT and Despegar
By Linda Fox | November 10, 2023
A roundup of the third quarter 2023 earnings for travel companies, including Amex GBT, Despegar and HomeToGo. Read More
OTA Insight expands capabilities through single platform, rebrands to Lighthouse
News / Technology
OTA Insight expands capabilities through single platform, rebrands to Lighthouse
By Linda Fox | November 9, 2023
Following acquisitions in 2022 and earlier this year the company felt it had outgrown the OTA Insight name. The unified platform offers wider business intelligence capabilities, including more... Read More
Raus adds €8.5M in funding for nature-based stays platform
News / Startups
Raus adds €8.5M in funding for nature-based stays platform
By Linda Fox | November 9, 2023
Germany-based Raus offers cabin accommodation in areas near German cities, including Berlin and Dresden. The investment will go towards expansion across Europe with a launch in Austria planned soon. Read More
The Phocuswright Conference 2026