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.

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
Expedia, Booking.com and Airbnb differ on marketing tactics as recovery begins
News / Online
Expedia, Booking.com and Airbnb differ on marketing tactics as recovery begins
By Kevin May | May 19, 2021
Three giant brands in online travel are attempting to capture the pent-up demand for trips as lockdowns ease in some markets around the world. Read More
PhocusWire Pulse: Decoding Travel Security
News / Technology
PhocusWire Pulse: Decoding Travel Security
By PhocusWire | May 19, 2021
Our fourth PhocusWire Pulse looks at the current state and future of security in travel, examining issues ranging from biometrics, system breaches, listing fraud and blockchain. Read More
VIDEO: Research Spotlight - Middle East travel report and recovery progress
News / Online
VIDEO: Research Spotlight - Middle East travel report and recovery progress
By PhocusWire | May 18, 2021
Online travel bookings fell by 64% in the Middle East during 2020 - a signal that the region faired somewhat better than others around the world. Read More
Travel recovery and responsibility: A chance to do the right thing
News / Technology
Travel recovery and responsibility: A chance to do the right thing
By PhocusWire | May 17, 2021
With the COVID-19 pandemic putting the industry's operations on hold for over a year, some might hope that companies have used this time to think seriously about their role in climate change and other... Read More
Short-term rental demand surpasses 2019 levels
News / Online
Short-term rental demand surpasses 2019 levels
By Jill Menze | May 17, 2021
In the U.S., April marks the first month since the start of the coronavirus pandemic to surpass 2019 performance, though other regions lag behind. Read More
airbnb-q1-2021-earnings
News / Online
Airbnb revenue climbs 5% as travel rebounded in Q1 2021
By Jill Menze | May 13, 2021
Airbnb revenue grew 5% to $887 million in the first quarter of 2021, though losses mounted to $1.2 billion. Read More
holidu-series-d-funding
News / Online
Holidu raises $45M in Series D funding
By Mitra Sorrells | May 12, 2021
Holidu says the new funding will be used to accelerate the growth of its vacation rental search engine and its vacation rental software business, Bookiply. Read More
Signs point north for travel startup funding in 2021
News / Startups
Signs point north for travel startup funding in 2021
By Linda Fox | May 11, 2021
Travel startups have attracted multiple smaller investments in 2021, as well as one or two sizable ones, demonstrating interest has not faded away in supporting new businesses. Read More
airbnb-remote-work-program
News / Online
Airbnb expands remote work partner program
By Mitra Sorrells | May 7, 2021
Airbnb is providing gifts cards for remote workers to stay in one of their properties in communities that are trying to entice them to relocate. Read More
Expedia Group bets on brand marketing as it prepares for travel rebound
News / Online
Expedia Group bets on brand marketing as it prepares for travel rebound
By Jill Menze | May 6, 2021
In its Q1 2021 earnings call, Expedia Group said it's focusing on brand marketing to differentiate its offerings and capitalize on returning travel demand. Read More
Fly Now Pay Later adds £10M to Series A
News / Startups
Fly Now Pay Later adds £10M to Series A
By Linda Fox | May 6, 2021
The London-based alternative payments company plans to launch in the U.S. Read More
The Phocuswright Conference 2026