Edition No. 65
September 11, 2026
Everything the short-term-rental business needs to know today.
Also filed
- Markets
Dutch hotels face tough outlook as VAT hike looms for 2025
Hoteliers in the Netherlands are preparing for a challenging year as operating costs climb to 68% of revenues and average daily rates soften. According to industry data, a planned government VAT hike from 6% to 21% is expected to suppress travel demand. In response, 43.6% of Dutch hoteliers report they plan to reduce their investment budgets.
- Host Life
Chicago neighborhood sees visitor surge for Mexican Independence Day
The Little Village neighborhood in Chicago experienced a significant influx of travelers during the local Mexican Independence Day celebrations. According to data from Airbnb, the cultural festival drove a surge of guest arrivals to the area, providing a direct economic boost to local hosts and neighborhood businesses outside of the traditional downtown tourism hubs.
- The Money
England advances plans for uncapped overnight visitor levy
Regional mayors in England could soon receive powers to introduce an uncapped tax on overnight stays. The legislation, which is expected to be brought before parliament within months, would apply to hotels, holiday rentals, and Airbnb-style accommodations. Local leaders would have the authority to set and collect the levy to fund regional services.
- Platforms
Google removes live pricing from hotel search unit in Europe
Google has redesigned its hotel search interface in Europe to comply with the Digital Markets Act. According to Skift, the search giant stripped live rates, date filters, and budget tags from its hotel unit. The new interface displays only a property name, link, and address in a box, a move designed to help the company avoid fines from EU regulators.
- Host Life
NYC homeowners lose $110 million under Local Law 18 rules
According to new data released by Airbnb, short-term rental hosts in New York City have lost an estimated $110 million in income due to the strict registration requirements of Local Law 18. The company says the regulations have disproportionately harmed local residents who relied on home sharing to supplement their income and cover rising living costs in the city.
- Markets
EU court upholds veto of Booking’s €1.63 billion ETraveli deal
Booking Holdings has lost its legal challenge against the European Commission. The EU court upheld the regulator's decision to block the travel giant's proposed €1.63 billion acquisition of flight booking company ETraveli Group. The ruling represents a major regulatory barrier for the company's expansion plans in Europe, where antitrust regulators have scrutinized its dominant market position.
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