EDITOR'S COMMENT
• One of the news stories that has caught the eye is the launch of Airbnb's 'Airbnb-friendly' apartments programme in the UK in partnership with real estate developer and manager, Greystar. The rent-to-rent model, which has been in operation through Airbnb since 2022, represents a sizeable opportunity for the home-sharing platform to grow its inventory in the UK as tenants in almost 1,500 flats across three Greystar-managed properties will be able to sublet their homes on a part-time basis.
The news is significant too as Airbnb has previously faced fierce criticism in the English capital, allegedly for doing little to crack down on illegal social housing subletting fraud and for the perceived correlation between STR listings and higher rates of crime. Airbnb's partnership with a respected operator like Greystar is a notable milestone in removing these unwanted tags and associating itself with responsible renting, plus we can expect even more daring moves by the firm in the year ahead as it diversifies beyond accommodation.
• It's been another turbulent year for the global STR industry - a segment that has been specifically targeted for stricter regulation in the wake of 'over-tourism' protests but one that is also innovating and professionalising at an incredible pace.
Therefore, we're getting ready to gaze into our crystal ball to predict the big trends that will play out over the next 12 months. Our annual predictions webinar is not to be missed tomorrow at 4pm GMT [Tuesday 3 December], likewise our in-depth article outlining our forecasts with the help of industry experts, to be published later in the week.
Sign up here for our predictions webinar when our contributing speakers include Dan Jefferys [Resooma], Zach Busekrus [Journey], Eva Stewart [GSIQ Tourism Insights], Simon Matthews [HomeToGo] and Eric Goldreyer [bnbfinder]. You'll discvover the latest insights about systemisation, AI and social media, 'over-tourism', loyalty and traveller booking behaviour.
Furthermore, stand by for an important announcement about the 2025 Shortyz Awards - the sixth edition of the ceremony - on Tuesday's webinar!
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