Rentals United launches Screen & Protect service

Reading Time: 3 minutesSpain: Vacation rental channel manager Rentals United has launched Screen & Protect, a property protection service that allows hosts to verify guests during the booking process and provides compensation of up to €50,000.
Annual rental cap comes into effect in Byron Bay

Reading Time: 2 minutesAustralia: The Australian coastal town of Byron Bay in New South Wales, as well as the wider region of Byron Shire, have begun the enforcement of 60-day annual caps on unhosted short-term rentals.
7.5 per cent STR levy set to be imposed in Victoria

Reading Time: 3 minutesAustralia: The state executive government of Victoria is set to grant local councils the power to limit short-term rentals by imposing a 7.5 per cent levy on STR bookings from 1 January 2025.
Alloggio buys Relaxaway Holiday Homes in Queenstown

Reading Time: 2 minutesAustralia / New Zealand: New South Wales-based short-term rental property management company Alloggio has announced the acquisition of holiday home agency Relaxaway Holiday Homes, based in Queenstown, New Zealand.
Countries issue UK travel warnings as unrest increases

Reading Time: 3 minutesUK: Seven countries have issued warnings over travel to the UK in the wake of ongoing violent anti-immigration protests and riots.
I-PRAC partners with digital guidebook company Orana Stay

Reading Time: 3 minutesUK / Australia: Global verification and membership platform, I-PRAC, has partnered with digital guidebook solution Orana Stay to maximise benefits for both hosts and guests.
Hometime appoints former Airbnb exec as first COO

Reading Time: 2 minutesAustralia: Sydney-based, short-term rental property management company and online marketplace, Hometime, has appointed Alvan Aiau Yong into the newly created role of chief operations officer [COO].
ASTRA elects three new board members

Reading Time: 3 minutesAustralia / New Zealand: The Australia and New Zealand Short Term Rental Association [ASTRA] announced the election of three leaders onto its board at its annual general meeting last week, joining current and re-elected directors.
Intrepid Travel hires Hurelle to lead accommodation strategy

Reading Time: 2 minutesAustralia: Global adventure tour operator Intrepid Travel has hired French hotel veteran Celine Hurelle to lead its expansion into accommodation and hotels.
Brisbane to introduce permit requirement for STR property owners

Reading Time: 3 minutesAustralia: Short-term rental property owners will now require a permit to rent out units on platforms such as Airbnb as the result of a first-of-its-kind 12-month review of the activity in the sector.