Alternative Accommodation

PhocusWire's in-depth coverage of the alternative accommodation sector, featuring news, analysis, interviews, research and more on home-sharing, short-term rentals, timeshare, homestays and other property types.

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News / Technology
Duve to launch ChatGPT tool for guest communications
By Linda Fox | March 27, 2023
The company, which plans to launch DuveAI in the second quarter of this year, says it will enable “hoteliers and hosts to interact with their guests like never before.” Read More
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News / Online
Online travel giants spent more than $14B on marketing in '22
By Mitra Sorrells | March 27, 2023
Combined marketing spending by Booking Holdings, Expedia Group, Airbnb and Trip.com Group exceeded 2019 levels in 2022. Read More
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News / Online
HomeExchange acquires French home-sharing network
By Kathryn Walson | March 23, 2023
Launched in 2017, My weekend for you enables members to welcome travelers to their homes for free for a weekend to help them discover their local region. Read More
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News / Startups
Placemakr unlocks $65M for mixed-use hospitality concept
By Linda Fox | March 21, 2023
Investment in the flexible-use property specialist comes from Highland Capital Partners, Harbert Growth Partners, Bernstein Management Corp., Camber Creek and Gaw Capital. Read More
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News / Technology
Operto lands $25M, adds HotelTonight's Shank to board
By Linda Fox | March 20, 2023
The investment in the Canada-based startup was led by Centana Growth Partners with Thayer Ventures, FUSE, Blackpines Capital Partners and Derive Ventures also participating. Read More
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News / Startups
Danish home rental platform from former Airbnb employees raises €3.8M
By Mitra Sorrells | March 16, 2023
Landfolk says it now has more than 1,000 holiday homes on its platform across Denmark, Germany and Norway and with this funding it is intending to double that number this year. Read More
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News / Online
Can subscription services work for STRs?
By Kathryn Walson | March 15, 2023
The benefits of subscription services for short-term rentals can include recurring revenue streams and customer engagement, loyalty and retention. Read More
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News / Online
Vacasa sets sights on long-term profitable growth
By Kathryn Walson | March 14, 2023
Vacasa's priorities are shifting to improving efficiency and developing processes “to deliver an unmatched experience for our homeowners and elevated hospitality for our guests,” CEO Rob Greyber says. Read More
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News / Startups
Polish STR manager Renters.pl secures funding to grow
By Derek Catron | March 14, 2023
Polish Enterprise Fund VIII, a private equity fund managed by Enterprise Investors, will acquire up to 80% of Renters.pl. Read More
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News / Startups
Travel startups consider cost of SVB collapse
By Linda Fox | March 13, 2023
News of SVB’s demise left the startup world reeling, with the bank said to work with more than 50% of U.S. startups and 40% of U.K. startups. Many feared they would be unable to make March’s payroll. Read More
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News / Online
Misterb&b creates safe space for LGBTQ+ travelers and hosts
By Arvindh Yuvaraj - WebinTravel | March 13, 2023
Matthieu Jost, CEO and co-founder of Misterb&b, is all too familiar with how discrimination can spoil the travel experience. Read More
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News / Startups
Hospitality startup Sextant Stays raises $14M, unveils new name
By Mitra Sorrells | March 8, 2023
Now known as Roami, the company will use the funding to add to its portfolio, which currently includes 500 units in South Florida and New Orleans. Read More
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News / Online
Campsited launches company-perk program for work in nature
By Kathryn Walson | March 7, 2023
Founded in 2014 in Dublin, Campsited says it vets properties for Wi-Fi availability and suitable working and living amenities. Read More
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News / Technology
OTA Insight unveils platform with hotel and vacation rental data
By Kathryn Walson | March 6, 2023
With the addition of STR data, the Rate Insight+ platform gives hoteliers a complete picture of their competitive landscape and enables them to improve pricing decisions, according to OTA Insight. Read More
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News / Online
HomeExchange acquires Love Home Swap
By Linda Fox | March 3, 2023
HomeExchange claims the acquisition comes after a period of growth for the company with a 41% increase in new members at the beginning of 2023 versus 2022. Read More