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Global:Â Dynamic pricing and revenue management solution provider PriceLabs has published its Global Host Report 2025, revealing that while technology and AI adoption among short-term rental hosts is increasing, many are still struggling to see meaningful operational benefits.
Based on responses from more than 1,400 hosts with one to four listings, the report finds that only 14% believe AI is currently helping them manage their properties. Nearly half (47%) described AI as “overwhelming”.
Despite that divide, both groups spend the same amount of time managing listings: an average of 8.3 hours per week, suggesting AI has yet to deliver promised time savings for small-scale operators.
The data highlights a gap between hosting challenges and tech investment. Administrative tasks such as accounting and taxes remain the most time-consuming area for 76% of hosts, while 72% cite cleaning and maintenance. Yet only 10% plan to invest more in turnover technology in the next year. Almost half (48%) still rely on spreadsheets for reporting and planning, even as 68% monitor financial indicators at least weekly.
Visibility on major OTAs remains a key concern. Sixty-three per cent of hosts are worried about their ranking on Airbnb, Booking.com, and Vrbo, and 71 per cent feel anxious about negative guest reviews. However, Airbnb remains dominant, with 98 per cent of respondents listing on the platform and awarding it a satisfaction score of 4.1 out of 5, compared with 3.3 for Vrbo and 3.1 for Booking.com. Direct bookings also remain a strategic focus, with 90 per cent planning to invest as much or more into their own websites next year.
Richie Khandelwal, co-founder of PriceLabs, said: “While AI is taking longer to bring the time savings it promised, hosts are clearly open to investing in their businesses and the right technology could be exactly what they need.”
The full Global Host Report, including recommendations for hosts, is available here.
Highlights:
Survey of 1,400+ hosts globally
Only 14% say AI is helping them today
Hosts spend 8.3 hours/week managing listings regardless of AI use
76% say admin tasks are the biggest time drain
48% still rely on spreadsheets
Airbnb remains the most used and highest-rated OTA
