Short-term Rental News Digest – July 2021

For the past year, the pandemic has shaped the way we interact and travel. A lot of the data that we’ve seen suggests that the new trends that have emerged during the pandemic will continue to impact traveler behavior in the near future. However, it doesn’t necessarily paint a negative picture. 

Just read about the second summer that hosts can look forward to, and you’ll see that the moment in the sun that you’ve been holding out for is around the corner. 

Hosts Can Look Forward to a Second Summer

Data gathered by Vrbo suggests that this year there will be no traditional shoulder season. Instead, hosts can look forward to a “second summer” as the search for vacation homes continues into autumn. The platform noted an increase in demand of more than 30% compared to two years ago. 

Melanie Fish, Vrbo’s travel expert, attributes this to families taking more extended vacations and more flexible schedules. Hawaii, North Carolina, and South Carolina, in particular, are already showing a boost in bookings.

Weeks Are the New Long Weekend

The 2021 Vacation Rental Search Report of Vacasa found that 7-day bookings have increased by 5% in popularity compared to 2020. This year, guests tend to book longer stays and favor listings with lower nightly rates. Two-bedroom houses are the most popular, and water-related amenities rank in the top 7 amenities that guests search for. 

Airbnb Partners With a Location Tech App

To support the demand for holiday properties in the UK, Airbnb has joined forces with what3words, a location tech app that uses a proprietary geocode system. As it is challenging to describe the exact address of many locations and unique stays, the partnership hopes to make it easier for hosts. What’s more, it will enable hosts to think outside of the box and list suitable places, such as spare outbuildings that might not necessarily have an allocated address. 

In short, what3words assigns a unique combination of three words to every three-meter square of the globe. This way, guests will know precisely where they need to go, even if it’s a tent in an open patch of land. 

Booking.com to Create a Fintech Unit

Booking.com has started a new fintech business unit. The objective of this new unit is to boost accessibility to its marketplace and reduce financial friction by bridging the gap between the different payment practices and methods. Daniel Marovitz, senior vice president, will be in charge of Booking.com’s fintech unit that will be based in Amsterdam and Shanghai. 

Vrbo Ads Hotels

To meet the increase in travel demand, Vrbo has added several hotels to its website. Magnuson Grand and Extended Stay America Suites are just two of the brands for which the platform has created listings. 

Each listing will have a “Book now” button. Guests will also be given the option to pay at once or later at the property. 

It’s not the first time that Vrbo will list hotels. Previously, Vrbo listed two-star hotels, but this time around, it would appear as if they are putting in more effort.

New Netflix Show About Vacation Rentals

Netflix has added a new show about vacation rentals to its list of binge-worthy entertainment. The World’s Most Amazing Vacation Rentals will showcase popular vacation rental locations and unique accommodation across the world. 

The 8 episodes of the first season feature more than 20 locations. In each of the episodes, the three hosts of the show get a turn to select a vacation rental. Jo Franco, a travel writer, looks at unique spaces, Megan Batoon, a DIY designer, podcaster, and YouTuber, focuses on budget-friendly accommodation, and Luis D. Ortiz from Million Dollar Listing has the honor of exploring luxury properties. From Miami to Mexico City, be sure to check out these 30-minute shows for ideas and inspiration.

Vrbo’s and TripAdvisor’s Traveler Safety Policies Updated

Vrbo and TripAdvisor are updating their safety policies in light of alleged violent crimes occurring at Airbnbs. Both these short-term rental platforms have announced that they will specifically zoom in on their policies regarding the safe transfer of keys to guests. For example, Vrbo has decided to ban a host from leaving a key in a public place if the owner or property manager is not present. 

The Midwest Is Becoming More Popular

According to Vrbo’s data, the Midwest is currently experiencing a significant boost in bookings. Compared to the same period two years ago, this region has enjoyed an increase in demand of more than 75%. In Ohio, Millersburg and Logan, in particular, are experiencing the fastest growth, while Michigan, Atlanta, and Chippewa Country are boasting similar growth.