EDITOR'S COMMENT
• The opportunities presented by the flexible living sector, spurred by changing traveller needs, is prompting asset managers, operators and brands to rethink strategies on how best to capitalise on emerging trends.
At the Urban Living Festival last week, Amanda Cupples from Airbnb, Brian Soss from Starwood Capital, Will Rowson from Node and Pedro Sousa from Brookfield discussed current travel and booking habits. The panel, moderated by Lavanda's Fred Lerche-Lerchenborg, explored the pivots and innovative business models which cater to both long and short-stays. It was mooted that cities which allow people to live and work flexibly would be most favourable amongst renters, which suggests that government reform on planning and zoning restrictions may be inevitable down the line.
This idea is backed up by another significant traveller trend - one towards affordability, and all the more pertinent given the cost of living crisis. During the panel discussion, a brilliant connection was made between affordability and ESG. Environmentally sustainable buildings has many financial benefits, including cheaper cost of capital and the positive impact to bottom line. If these commercial or residential buildings can also foster a sense of community, combatting the loneliness felt amongst young professionals working in big cities, part of the E and S in ESG have been fulfilled simultaneously.
Read the full session write up here.
• Editor of Short Term Rentalz, Paul Stevens, is away on holiday and returning next week. If you have a story you'd like us to tell the industry, please reach out using my contact details at the bottom of this newsletter.
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