ChatGPT launches travel apps with Expedia and Booking.com
US: OpenAI has launched third-party apps within ChatGPT, starting with travel giants Expedia and Booking.com, allowing users to research and book trips directly through the chatbot. The move follows the launch of OpenAI’s new Apps SDK (software development kit), which enables developers to create integrated experiences within ChatGPT. The feature opens ChatGPT’s 800-million-strong user base […]
Ibiza removes more than 2,800 illegal listings from Airbnb
Spain: Ibiza’s governing body has removed over 2,800 illegal short-term rental listings from Airbnb as part of a crackdown on unlicensed accommodation across the island. The action, carried out between July 2024 and September 2025 by Ibiza’s Illegal Short-Term Rentals Taskforce in collaboration with travel data company Mabrian, resulted in 2,831 listings and more than […]
Boom secures $12.7m funding to scale agentic AI
US: AI-powered property management system Boom has raised $12.7 million in a funding round led by Avenue Growth Partners, with participation from former Hilton International CEO Ian Carter, Goldman Properties CEO Scott Srebnick, and Siemplify co-founder Garry Fatakhov. The new investment will support Boom’s expansion into additional international markets, recruitment across engineering and data science, […]
LG highlights Pro:Centric Stay smart TV solution
[Sponsored Content] TV and electronics company LG has released a series of video ads showcasing how its Pro:Centric Stay platform enhances the guest experience in hospitality settings. In these three videos, LG highlights how its smart technology supports personalisation, convenience, and privacy for guests. “Just Look at the TV” – Digital Guide Simplifying guest experience […]
The Hidden Liability in Your Smart TV: Why Credential Clearing Matters
[Sponsored content] As connected devices become standard in short-term rentals, guest privacy risks are rising. Global TV and electronics company LG Electronics discusses why credential clearing on smart TVs is now a business essential and how LG’s commercial-grade technology helps property managers stay secure, compliant, and trusted. Picture This: A Guest Privacy Breach A guest […]
ÖÖD Group secures investment from Bayard Capital
Estonia/Australia: Estonia-based nature hospitality brand ÖÖD Group, known for its mirror-house cabins, has secured investment from Australian family-owned growth investor Bayard Capital to accelerate its global expansion. Known for its mirror-clad ÖÖD Mirror House design manufactured in Estonia and the US since 2016, the company launched an international hospitality arm in 2022 via its ÖÖD […]
GuestyVal 2025 Highlights
[Mexico City] GuestyVal 2025 brought together leaders, founders and innovators from across the global short-term rental industry for three days of insights, debate and networking in Mexico City. In this video, Short Term Rentalz asked both attendees and Guesty what this event meant to them and what the key takeaways were.
Insights and key takeaways from GuestyVal 2025
EMEA/Mexico: This years’ GuestyVal was held in Mexico City [10-12 September] bringing together influential figures from across the global short-term and vacation rental industry to share insights on the key challenges facing the sector The three-day event, held in the heart of Mexico City, opened with a welcome reception at Hacienda San Juan, followed by […]
Sonesta partners with Viator to expand loyalty benefits
US: Hospitality company Sonesta International Hotels Corporation has partnered with tours and activities booking platform Viator to allow members of its Sonesta Travel Pass loyalty programme to earn points when booking tours, activities and excursions. The agreement gives Travel Pass members access to Viator’s catalogue of more than 400,000 global experiences, ranging from guided cultural […]
Oliver’s Travels announces Pure France acquisition
France/United Kingdom: Holiday rental company Oliver’s Travels has announced the acquisition of Pure France, its largest deal to date, adding more than 331 homes to its portfolio. The move brings Oliver’s Travels’ collection in France to over 1,600 properties, strengthening its presence in one of its core destinations. Pure France, which has built its reputation […]
