ShortTermRentalz Summit 2026: Industry leaders come together to explore the future of short-term rentals

UK: The fifth annual ShortTermRentalz Summit welcomed more than 100 industry professionals to Bankside Hotel in London on 5 November, bringing together investors, operators, property managers and technology providers to discuss the key trends and challenges shaping the sector into 2027.

From geopolitical uncertainty and investment strategies to changing traveller expectations and the growing role of AI the Summit featured a packed programme of panel discussions, presentations, interactive sessions and start-up pitches. The event brought together voices from across the short-term rental, hospitality, tourism and real estate sectors, offering fresh perspectives on where the industry is heading and the opportunities that lie ahead.

Travel demand remains resilient despite global uncertainty

Kicking off the day’s discussions, Dave Goodger, managing director EMEA at Tourism Economics, delivered a presentation on the state of the global travel market and the wider trends influencing short-term rental demand.

Taking a broader look at the tourism landscape, Goodger explored how geopolitical developments, economic conditions and changing traveller behaviour are shaping demand across domestic, short-haul and international markets. The presentation also looked at regional growth, including Europe, alongside luxury travel and the preferences of younger travellers which is fueling growth in the sector.

Despite the ongoing challenges facing the travel industry, Goodger’s key message was one of resilience, with travel demand continuing to show strong underlying growth. The presentation set the scene for the day’s discussions, highlighting why short-term rental businesses should look beyond their own sector to understand the wider trends influencing where and how people travel.

Regulation and operational performance shape STR investment

Building on the keynote, The Bigger Picture: How Geopolitics Is Reshaping Global STR Investment explored how political uncertainty, regulation and changing economic conditions are influencing investment decisions.

Moderated by George Sell, editor-in-chief at IHM, the panel featured Goodger alongside Cecile Babcock, principal advisor, global investment at Sustainable Real Estate Forum, and Scott Leggat, director of government affairs and advocacy at Supercontrol by Inhabit.

Babcock discussed how the real estate investment landscape has changed, with investors now placing greater importance on operational performance rather than relying solely on property values to generate returns. Regulation was another key topic, with Leggat highlighting the different approaches being taken across global markets and the importance of understanding local restrictions before investing.

The panel also discussed the need for stronger industry advocacy, particularly in destinations where short-term rentals face scrutiny over housing affordability. Goodger pointed to the wider economic benefits of the sector, including the contribution visitor spending makes to local communities. Looking ahead, the panel identified opportunities linked to younger travellers, digital nomads, remote working and medical tourism, while also recognising the risks posed by regulatory uncertainty and higher operating costs.

Experiences move beyond an added extra

The focus then shifted to guest expectations in Are Experiences a Revenue Driver or a Differentiator?

Moderated by Janet Uttley, CEO of the Short Term Accommodation Association (STAA), the panel brought together Max Slaght, CEO of Domus Stays, Jessica Scott, head of commercial at Plum Guide, and Ed Pyke, CEO of Simpson Travel.

The discussion explored how guest expectations have changed, with travellers now looking for more than just a place to stay. Services such as concierge support, local recommendations and assistance throughout a trip, once considered additional perks, are now becoming standard expectations, particularly in the premium and luxury markets.

Scott discussed how understanding what guests want from their holiday can help operators recommend the right property and experiences, while Slaght highlighted the importance of personalisation and working with trusted local partners. Pyke shared how Simpson Travel has expanded its offering to include guided tours, cooking classes and boat excursions, giving guests more opportunities to connect with their destination.

The panel also considered whether experiences should be included within the cost of a stay or offered as an additional service. While guests expect a certain level of service as standard, more personalised experiences can provide opportunities to generate additional revenue and encourage repeat bookings.

Mid-term rentals present new opportunities for operators

The growing crossover between short-term rentals, serviced apartments and residential accommodation was explored during The Mid-Term Rental Reset.

Moderated by Eloise Hanson, editor of Serviced Apartment News, the panel featured Vassilis Vasmatzis, director of partner network at Blueground, Richard Dawes, director of EMEA hotel capital markets at Savills, and Guy Westlake, founder of Lavanda. The discussion looked at how regulation and changing demand are encouraging operators and investors to explore more flexible accommodation models.

However, the panel stressed that moving into mid-term rentals is not as simple as extending minimum stay requirements. Vasmatzis highlighted the importance of adapting pricing, availability and property amenities to suit longer-stay guests, including corporate travellers, relocating professionals and those moving between homes.

Unlike traditional leisure bookings, mid-term stays can also help operators fill quieter periods, with demand less dependent on the peak tourism season. Westlake discussed the operational challenges of managing properties across different lengths of stay, particularly when it comes to technology, tax requirements and guest expectations.

From an investment perspective, Dawes explored the growing interest in extended-stay accommodation, while acknowledging the challenges of financing and valuing properties that combine different accommodation models.The discussion highlighted the opportunities available to operators willing to adapt their offering, while also recognising the need for the right technology and operating structures to support this shift.

Holiday parks focus on guest experience and collaboration

The return of domestic travel and the changing UK holiday parks market were discussed during The Resurgence of the Staycation – Holiday Parks.

Moderated by Nam Quach, managing director at DC Advisory, the panel featured Raoul Fraser, founder of Lovat Parks, Dave McRobbie, founder of Holidaymaker, Simon Numphud, CEO of AA Media Services, and Jeremy Hipkiss, managing director of Landal UK.

The panel discussed the rise in shorter breaks, multigenerational travel and demand for higher-quality accommodation, with operators adapting their offerings to meet changing guest preferences. Location and accessibility were identified as important factors for shorter stays, alongside investment in accommodation and facilities that offer guests more than a traditional holiday park experience.

Wellness, outdoor activities and opportunities to disconnect from everyday routines were among the areas discussed, with operators seeing demand for facilities such as saunas, outdoor cooking areas and larger accommodation units. AI was another topic, with the panel exploring how technology can help businesses improve efficiency, manage customer reviews and strengthen their online presence.

Looking ahead, the panel agreed that continued investment, collaboration and listening to customer feedback will be important for future growth, with delivering a memorable guest experience remaining a priority.

AI takes centre stage in interactive masterclass

The afternoon’s AI Masterclass offered attendees the opportunity to take part in three roundtable discussions led by Felix Welckenbach, director of product at HomeToGo, Kevin Shaw, managing director at Guest365, and Joey Sandford of SuiteOp.

The sessions explored how AI, particularly agentic AI, is being used across hospitality operations, from improving workflows and connecting technology systems to supporting guest communications. Attendees shared their experiences of using AI within their businesses, discussing both the opportunities and challenges of adopting new technology.

Boba Charge crowned winner of Start-up X-Ray 2026

The Summit concluded with Start-up X-Ray, an interactive pitching competition showcasing four businesses bringing new ideas to the accommodation and technology sectors.

The judging panel featured Rajdeep Gahir, partner at Concrete Ventures, Jacob Wedderburn-Day, CEO of Stasher, Susie Stanford, partner at Growth Partners, and Julia Guimaraes of Terra Firma.

The four pitches came from Bart Cant of msg2ai, Ben Painter of Nomad Students, Frank of Boba Charge and Rob of Doorstream AI. Following the pitches and a round of deliberations, Boba Charge was announced as the winner of Start-up X-Ray 2026, rounding off a day of industry discussions with a look at some of the new businesses entering the market.

Across the day’s sessions, several common themes emerged, from the resilience of global travel demand and the importance of operational performance to changing guest expectations and the growing role of technology. While regulation and wider economic pressures continue to present challenges, the discussions highlighted opportunities for businesses to explore new markets, diversify their offerings and make better use of technology.

We would like to thank DC Advisory, SuperControl by Inhabit, msg2ai, Guest365 and SuiteOp, alongside our technology partner, Boba Charge, for their support. For more information about partnership and sponsorship opportunities at future STRz events, please contact Rachael Nolan at Rachael@internationalhospitality.media.