Lodgify launches payment tool and finance platform
Spain: Rental management platform Lodgify has added new tools built to help hosts and property managers get paid and access capital.
Hostaway launches generative AI response tool
Finland: Vacation rental property management software company Hostaway has launched AI Auto Reply, a native generative-AI tool designed to instantly create personalised responses to common inquiries.
Oyo buys MadeComfy in $50 million deal
Australia: Sydney short-term rental management platform MadeComfy has been acquired by Oyo for around AUS$50 million.
PriceLabs report shows London holiday let prices surged 17% despite fewer bookings
UK: According to the latest PriceLabs STR Index, holiday let prices in London increased by 17% year-on-year in June, despite a 10.9% drop in occupancy compared to the previous year. This surge in prices occurred during one of the hottest Junes on record, with fewer travellers opting for stays in the capital. The Index, which […]
Rental Escapes expands luxury villa portfolio
Canada: Luxury villa rental company, Rental Escapes, has expanded its global portfolio with new villa offerings in London, England, and Kitzbühel, Austria, while also enhancing its villa selection in popular destinations like Portugal, Costa Rica, Sicily, Barbados, California’s Coachella Valley, and Florida’s Panhandle. The company is expanding its offerings to accommodate the increasing demand for […]
1.1 million tourist rental beds in Spain at risk of removal
Spain: More than 1.1 million tourist rental beds in Spain could be removed from the market starting August 1, 2025, if hosts fail to comply with the new registration requirements for Spain’s National Registry for Tourist and Seasonal Rentals. The registry, which has been in effect since July 1, requires short-term rental properties to be […]
Airbnb makes major changes to cancellation policy
US: Short-term rental platform Airbnb has announced a series of updates to its cancellation policies, which will take effect on 1 October 2025, in a move to offer guests greater booking flexibility. One of the key changes is the introduction of a 24-hour cancellation window, allowing guests to cancel within 24 hours of booking for […]
Hospitable report highlights tech vendor concerns over integration fees
US: A new report from property management platform Hospitable has found that 89 per cent of short-term rental software vendors have delayed or cancelled product launches due to integration fees charged by property management systems. The report surveyed 18 senior technology vendors and highlights concern over so-called “pay-to-play” revenue-sharing models, which require vendors to pay […]
Firefly Reservations and Hipcamp launch integration for campground operators
US: All-in-one campground reservation software Firefly Reservations has partnered with booking platform Hipcamp to launch a new integration aimed at expanding access to campsites across the US. The integration allows Firefly users to sync availability, pricing and guest data directly with Hipcamp’s platform, which is used by over seven million travellers. According to Firefly, more […]
Whimstay opens platform to independent hosts
US: Last-minute vacation rental booking site Whimstay has expanded its platform to include independent hosts. Independent hosts can now list their properties by linking their existing Airbnb profiles, simplifying the onboarding process. Previously, Whimstay worked exclusively with professional property managers via 22 live property management system (PMS) integrations. This expansion comes as a response to industry-wide […]