European Union to hike VAT on sharing economy platforms

Reading Time: 2 minutesEstonia / EU: EU diplomats have reached an agreement on VAT [value-added tax] rule reforms that would result in tax hikes for sharing economy platforms including Airbnb and ride-sharing service Uber after Estonia dropped its previous veto position.
Expedia Group launches One Key in the UK

Reading Time: 3 minutesUK: Expedia Group has announced the UK launch of One Key, its flexible loyalty programme which launched in the United States last year.
JetBlue announces Vrbo partnership via Paisly travel product

Reading Time: 2 minutesUS: US airline JetBlue has announced a partnership with Expedia Group vacation rental brand Vrbo through its travel booking website Paisly.
Former Vrbo CMO Dima named Civitatis chairman

Reading Time: 2 minutesSpain: Mariano Dima, a former global chief marketing officer at Vrbo / HomeAway, has been named as the new chairman to the board of directors at guided tours and activities marketplace, Civitatis.
New ‘junk fee’ transparency law comes into effect in California

Reading Time: 3 minutesUS: Sweeping new laws have come into effect in the US state of California that require travel sellers and other types of businesses to include all mandatory fees or last-minute charges in the upfront displayed price.
Skift STR Summit: Furnished Finder CEO Jeff Hurst

Reading Time: < 1 minuteUS: Furnished Finder president and CEO, Jeff Hurst, speaks to STRz at the 2024 Skift Short Term Rental Summit.
Bills advance in Hawaii to leave uncertain STR future

Reading Time: 2 minutesUS: Short-term rentals could be phased out entirely in counties across Hawaii if two bills that are currently moving through state legislature are passed.
RMS Cloud unveils integration with Vrbo

Reading Time: < 1 minuteAustralia: Property management software RMS Cloud has announced a partnership and successful integration with Expedia Group vacation rental brand Vrbo in a move to enhance revenue opportunities for property managers.
Vrbo announces 2024 Holiday Homes / VRs of the Year

Reading Time: 2 minutesUK / US: Expedia Group vacation rental brand Vrbo has unveiled both its 2024 Holiday Homes of the Year in the UK, and its 2024 US Vacation Rentals of the Year, featuring the most “remarkable” holiday homes / vacation rentals in both countries.
EU legislation moves closer as Parliament reaches data agreement

Reading Time: 3 minutesFrance / EU: EU regulation on data collection and sharing relating to short-term accommodation rental services has moved yet another step closer after the European Parliament approved an agreement reached in November with negotiators from member states.