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.

Interview / Startups

Hot 25 Startups 2020: Futurestay

By PhocusWire | November 18, 2019

FutureStay is aimed at simplifying bookings, guests and marketing for independent vacation rental entrepreneurs. Read More

Interview / Startups

Hot 25 Startups 2020: Life House

By PhocusWire | November 18, 2019

Life House has developed a unique niche as a company that develops, designs, brands and operates boutique hotels with technology that drives direct bookings Read More

Interview / Startups

Hot 25 Startups 2020: WhyHotel

By PhocusWire | November 18, 2019

WhyHotel blurs the line between hospitality and home by offering newly built luxury vacant apartments to guests. Read More

News / Online

Airbnb adds checks and balances to Experiences in bid to boost trust

By Linda Fox | November 18, 2019

Further to recently announced initiatives to verify hosts and homes, Airbnb is also planning "trust" upgrades to its Experiences product. Read More

Interview / Online

Sounding Off: Rebrands are brave but sometimes don't go far enough

By PhocusWire | November 15, 2019

Perhaps the biggest opportunity to simply run every type of accommodation under the Expedia brand, with the power that its platform has in the marketplace, was dismissed too quickly. Read More

Interview / Online

Brand Business - Lish Kennedy of Vrbo

By Jill Menze | November 13, 2019

Lish Kennedy joined Vrbo as vice president of global brand marketing in August after three years at Etsy in a similar position. Read More

News / Distribution

Accor gets access to Alibaba customers via distribution and loyalty deal

By Linda Fox | November 11, 2019

The agreement aims to develop “digital applications and loyalty programs” by integrating Accor’s products and services within the Alibaba ecosystem. Read More

Interview / Distribution

In the green room at Phocuswright with... Amiad Soto

By PhocusWire | November 11, 2019

In a series of interviews with executives participating at the event in Florida in November, PhocusWire finds out what makes them tick. Welcome to Amiad Soto of Guesty. Read More

Interview / Startups

STARTUP STAGE: CertiStay certifies the safety and security of vacation rentals

By Mitra Sorrells | November 11, 2019

CertiStay, backed by a team that includes industry veteran Terry Jones, provides safety and security inspections and certifications for short-term rental properties. Read More

News / Technology

The Phocuswright Conference 2019 preview - A future not fully understood

By PhocusWire | November 8, 2019

Will the brands that dominate now still be there in a future still yet to be fully defined? Yes and no. That's why the next era for the digital travel economy promises to be such a thrilling ride... Read More

News / Online

Expedia blames weak SEO for flat performance, reports $3.56B revenue

By Steven Lerner | November 6, 2019

For Expedia Group in the third quarter of 2019, net income fell 22% year-over-year and adjusted EBITDA was flat. Read More

airbnb-property-verification-safety-announcements

News / Online

Airbnb says it will verify all listings, add other safety steps on heels of shooting

By Mitra Sorrells | November 6, 2019

Airbnb will verify every listing on the platform and add other security measures in the wake of a shooting at an Airbnb rental that left five people dead. Read More