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.

eu-tech-platforms
News / Online
Can travel platforms find ways to regulate themselves?
By Linda Fox | June 9, 2021
The European Purpose Project - launched by a number of brands including ground transport specialist Bolt - is putting together a code of conduct for platforms. Read More
Customer engagement strategy key to rebuilding traveler confidence
News / Online
Customer engagement strategy key to rebuilding traveler confidence
By Linda Fox | June 9, 2021
Only a fifth of consumers feel safe traveling now with many relying on the vaccine rollout before they travel. Read More
oyo-coo-interview
News / Online
Q&A: OYO on how it wants to emerge from the COVID crisis
By Mitra Sorrells | June 8, 2021
Abhinav Sinha, COO of India-based OYO, discusses what the company has learned through the pandemic, new tech products it has launched and its plans for future growth. Read More
VTrips makes string of acquisitions as consolidation in vacation rentals continues
News / Distribution
VTrips makes string of acquisitions as consolidation in vacation rentals continues
By Jill Menze | June 7, 2021
VTrips has acquired Tennessee-based Resort Property Management as well as Florida-based Distinctive Beach Rentals and Resort Collection. Read More
VIDEO: Fighting fraud in vacation rentals
News / Online
VIDEO: Fighting fraud in vacation rentals
By PhocusWire | June 7, 2021
Speaking during PhocusWire Pulse: Decoding Travel Security, Expedia Group's James Cassidy explains how booking vacation homes via an intermediary comes with certain protections. Read More
Operto acquires fellow hospitality tech provider VRScheduler
News / Technology
Operto acquires fellow hospitality tech provider VRScheduler
By Kevin May | June 3, 2021
VRScheduler is known for its property management tools for vacation rentals, including bookings and distribution through major third parties, payments, forecasting, staff and resource services,... Read More
How I Got Here, episode 67 - Richard Valtr of Mews
Interview / Technology
How I Got Here, episode 67 - Richard Valtr of Mews
By PhocusWire | June 3, 2021
Richard Valtr was back in his home country of the Czech Republic and helping with a family project to renovate and build a hotel, when the concept of Mews was formed. Read More
Cosi-acquires-friendly-rentals
News / Distribution
Cosi acquires Friendly Rentals to boost presence in Spain
By Linda Fox | June 3, 2021
Germany-based Cosi is focusing on city-center locations for leisure and business travel use. Read More
Sounding Off: There's no masking mainstream ambitions in travel
Interview / Online
Sounding Off: There's no masking mainstream ambitions in travel
By PhocusWire | May 28, 2021
It's worth remembering that Airbnb has been attempting to place itself in the mainstream for quite some time, rather than it trying to do so as part of some kind of new strategy now. Read More
WATCH: Digital travel revenues flat as 2021 starts with a whimper
News / Online
WATCH: Digital travel revenues flat as 2021 starts with a whimper
By Kevin May | May 28, 2021
The traditionally upbeat first quarter for many brands (when consumers begin to consider their annual breaks later in the year) has been tempered by ongoing lockdowns in Europe and elsewhere. Read More
Google Travel adds vacation rentals alongside hotels in search results
News / Distribution
Google Travel adds vacation rentals alongside hotels in search results
By Mitra Sorrells | May 27, 2021
Beginning today, consumers that search for accommodations in a specific destination may see both hotels and vacation rentals in the search results on google.com/travel. Read More
airbnb 2021 updates
News / Online
Airbnb unveils “most comprehensive update ever,” offering new flexibility, easier host signup
By Jill Menze | May 24, 2021
Airbnb has introduced more than 100 platform innovations and updates to capture travel demand and increase its pool of and support for hosts. Read More
The push for direct bookings: Hotels can have it both ways
News / Distribution
The push for direct bookings: Hotels can have it both ways
By PhocusWire | May 24, 2021
Numerous reports suggest that hotels have seen a swing toward consumers booking direct as lockdown restrictions ease and travel resume. Read More
Awaze boosts rental portfolio through further acquisitions in Europe
News / Distribution
Awaze boosts rental portfolio through further acquisitions in Europe
By Linda Fox | May 21, 2021
Acquisitions in the U.K. and Denmark have added about 1,000 new homes to Awaze's existing porfolio. Read More
STARTUP STAGE: Washbnb offers a tech-enabled linen solution for short-term rental hosts
Interview / Startups
STARTUP STAGE: Washbnb offers a tech-enabled linen solution for short-term rental hosts
By Jill Menze | May 20, 2021
Founded in 2020, Washbnb’s tech-enabled linen solution simplifies rental, logistics and laundry through an environmentally sustainable service. Read More