EDITOR'S COMMENT
• A standardised regulatory framework on data collection and sharing for short-term rental services in the EU has moved a step closer after the European Council and the European Parliament reached a provisional agreement on a draft regulation - so what does this mean now for the industry in Europe?
If the framework gets full approval next month as anticipated, platforms such as Airbnb, Booking.com, Expedia Group / Vrbo and TripAdvisor will have to send activity data to public authorities across the bloc each month, while smaller platforms will be required to do so every three months. Furthermore, EU member states will create Single Digital Entry Points for the seamless collection and exchange of information.
The update has largely been been welcomed by organisations such as the European Holiday Home Association [EHHA], Irish Self-Catering Federation [ISCF] and Airbnb, whose co-founder Nathan Blecharczyk called it "a watershed moment" that will "serve as a global example of how to regulate short-term rentals". Despite the provisional decision, the EHHA and ISCF are stressing the need for full clarity and transparency from EU lawmakers to create "justified, proportionate and non-discriminatory" rules, ahead of the anticipated formal regulatory approval next month.
Airbnb has made its own big announcement, however, with the acquisition of AI stealth startup GamePlanner.AI - its first major purchase since making three in 2019 [including HotelTonight]. The home-sharing platform has been a notable driver for hyper personalisation to customise bookings in the short-term rental industry, and the signs are that Airbnb will now accelerate more AI projects, as per its recent Winter Release.
• Our penultimate STRz webinar of 2023 takes place tomorrow [21 November] as we explore 'Building a short-term rental brand or empire'. Our stellar speakers include Ali Lowry [Plum Guide], Alex Husner [Casago], Andy Meddick [Stay Attention Vacation Rental Business Strategy Services] and Sukh Basra [Hostaway] - sign up for free at this link.
Scroll down for the latest industry news.
• Please click here if you have a story you want us to tell the industry, or would like to be considered for a feature, podcast or webinar.
For more information and sponsorship / creative solutions advice, contact us at info@internationalhospitality.media.
