Airbnb acquires AI stealth company GamePlanner.AI
US: Airbnb has announced the acquisition of GamePlanner.AI, a stealth 12-person AI company led by Adam Cheyer and Siamak Hodjat.
Direct and RVshare partner in “groundbreaking” collaboration
US: Vertical SaaS platform Direct has joined forces with peer-to-peer RV rental marketplace RVshare to introduce a fleet management tool for RV owners.
Foothold launches real estate crowdfunding product
US: Miami-based startup Foothold [Foothold.co], a real estate crowdfunding platform for investing in unique hotels and glamping spaces, has publicly launched its product.
Unified tourist visa to drive demand in GCC member states
GCC: Member states in the GCC [Gulf Cooperation Council] have agreed to roll out a unified tourist visa, which is set to fuel a spike in short-term rental demand across the region.
STR platforms sign landmark data-sharing partnership with ONS
UK: The UK’s Office for National Statistics [ONS] will soon have access to independently published data on short-term lets listed on Airbnb, Booking.com, and Expedia Group, following a landmark data-sharing agreement between the platforms and ONS.
UAE travellers prioritise sustainability, sleep and dining in 2024
UAE: Booking.com has released its annual Travel Predictions report for 2024, which includes insights from travellers based in the United Arab Emirates for the first time.
VRMA 2023: bnbfinder CEO Eric Goldreyer
US: Eric Goldreyer, CEO of bnbfinder, speaks to STRz at the 2023 VRMA International Conference in Orlando.