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FTC to ban hidden junk fees on STRs, hotels and event tickets
Reading Time: 2 minutesUS: The US Federal Trade Commission [FTC] has passed a rule that will ban hidden “junk fees” on short-term rentals, hotels and live event ticket prices.
Greek government set to increase daily taxes for STRs and hotels
Reading Time: 2 minutesGreece: The Greek parliament has approved a bill that will increase a daily tax on short-term rentals and hotels in the country, as well as charge a levy for cruise ship visitors, in a bid to reduce over-tourism and address the impact of natural disasters on its economy.
Airbnb festive ‘Santastrophe’ advert mocks hotels
Reading Time: 2 minutesWorldwide: Airbnb has released its first-ever specialised advert for the festive season, in which it shows a frantic Santa Claus experience a ‘Santastrophe’ navigating a hotel to deliver presents, in comparison with a much smoother experience at a short-term rental Airbnb listing.
Lighthouse notches $370m in Series C funding round
Reading Time: 2 minutesUK / Belgium: Lighthouse, a commercial intelligence platform for the travel and hospitality industry, has announced that it has closed a $370 million growth investment [Series C funding] round.
STR groups urge Catalan administration rethink on Barcelona ban
Reading Time: 6 minutesEurope / Spain: Short-term rental groups and booking platforms across Europe have urged the city of Barcelona to reconsider its crackdown on the sector’s activities, five months after Socialist mayor Jaume Collboni pledged to ban all tourist rentals by late 2028.
District Show 2024: Olala Homes CEO Ittai Savran
Reading Time: < 1 minuteSpain: Olala Homes CEO Ittai Savran speaks to STRz at the District Show in Barcelona about his company’s unique business model, the latest guest booking trends, and how Olala Homes is navigating the regulatory landscape.
Review: Urban Living Festival takes hospitality insights to next level
Reading Time: 4 minutesUK: The 2024 Urban Living Festival offered a comprehensive overview of the current trends and challenges shaping the hospitality and real estate sectors.
Hospiria and Alliants partner for 1 LiVNG flex rental platform
Reading Time: 2 minutesUK: Customer experience technology platform Alliants and SaaS solution Hospiria have partnered to launch a flexible rental platform called 1 LiVNG, which is focused on transforming the residential real estate market.
Tripadvisor evolves model, cancels STR stays past October
Reading Time: 3 minutesWorldwide: Online travel agency Tripadvisor is transitioning its vacation rental strategy to a new business model that leverages third-party providers, although it denied that it was shutting down its rental offering altogether.
Bruges authorities to impose strict STR restrictions
Reading Time: 3 minutesBelgium: Authorities in the northern Belgian city of Bruges are preparing to impose stricter restrictions on short-term rentals in a bid to combat rising numbers of tourists.