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Worldwide: A new association for short-term rental owners, the Association for Short-Term Rental Homeowners [ASTRHO], has announced its launch.
According to VRMIntel, ASTRHO hopes to bring together “like minded individuals and companies” within the short-term rental industry.
The not-for-profit group was created for homeowners seeking to find education and resources about marketing, operations and investment. Its membership will include existing and aspiring homeowners, corporate providers, and academics.
Heather Richer, ASTRHO board president, told VRMIntel: “While the lodging industry has professional development and trade associations for hotels, resorts, and other lodging sectors, short-term rental and vacation rental homeowners are now a segment of their own. There are an estimated 10 million short-term rental homeowners globally, and they need a professional community. We’re looking forward to playing a role in the further advancement of this lodging segment.”
The group’s website offers elearning courses, local and regional discussion boards, relevant news, and networking opportunities. It also hopes to aggregate various information available to homeowners, which is currently scattered across various sources.
ASTRHO hopes to take advantage of the rising tide of vacation rentals during the pandemic to improve its membership.
Richer added: “Whether seeking a place to vacation away from crowds or working remotely, travellers are considering vacation home stays now more than ever before. According to AirDNA, year over year, between May and June, US vacation rental bookings were up 20 per cent.”
Currently, there are a variety of membership organisations available to those in the rental industry. Groups like the VRMA and STAA have spent effort advocating for rental owners to both national and state governments.
ASTRHO plans to host a virtual membership drive on Sept 22, with plans to show off the community and the organisation’s purpose. The cost is currently $10 per month, with a two-week free trial available for those interested in ASTRHO’s services.
Click here for more information about the event.
