Airbnb & Expedia earn EU court backing in Italian financial dispute
Europe: Online service platforms including Airbnb, Expedia, Google and Amazon have all won a European court battle against an Italian law that would have required them to disclose more information and make financial contributions.
Travalyst launches sustainability certification initiative
UK: Not-for-profit organisation Travalyst, a global coalition of some of the biggest brands in travel and technology, is launching an initiative to acknowledge sustainability certification bodies within the accommodation sector.
2023 Wrapped: The STRz stories that defined a year
Worldwide: As we approach the end of 2023, we revisit the 20 stories that defined a year for short-term rentals, as well as our favourite video, podcast and webinar from the last 12 months.
Google debuts price comparisons for vacation rental searches
Worldwide: Google is introducing price comparisons as part of its holiday / vacation rental search experience, building on its existing offering for hotels and flights.
Airbnb adds Google AI “expert” Manyika to board of directors
US: Airbnb has announced the appointment of James Manyika, an AI “ambassador” at Google, to its board of directors with immediate effect.
Lodgify integrates with Google for vacation rentals
Spain / US: Vacation rental software startup Lodgify has announced an integration with Google for vacation rental listings.
Hostaway integrates with Google for vacation rentals
Canada: All-in-one vacation rental software and management system, Hostaway, has integrated with Google, enabling customers to list their short-term rentals across Google Travel, Google Search and Maps.
Guesty buys YieldPlanet and launches Distribution Hub
US / Israel: Property management platform Guesty has acquired hotel-focused revenue and distribution platform, YieldPlanet.
Airbnb sanctioned by Russia over alleged data storage violations
Russia: Airbnb, along with other tech firms, has been sanctioned by Russia’s communications regulator, Roskomnadzor, for alleged data storage violations.
Russia targets Airbnb and tech firms over data legislation
Russia: Russian communications regulator Roskomnadzor has opened cases against Airbnb and other large Silicon Valley tech firms over alleged violations of personal data legislation.