Edition No. 70
September 16, 2026
Everything the short-term-rental business needs to know today.
Markets
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Markets
Shakira Madrid Residency Sends Hotel Rates Soaring to €339 as Domestic Bookings Surge
With hotel bookings up nearly 15% and domestic demand surging by 65%, a 12-night residency in Spain's capital is rewriting the playbook for short-term
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Markets
First Chair Destinations Enters the New England Ski Rental Market
A new regional brand is targeting New England ski slopes, proving that the battle for premium vacation rentals has moved from national roll-ups to hyp
Also filed
- The Money
Dormakaba acquires guest experience platform Alliants
Access control specialist dormakaba has acquired Alliants, a UK-based digital guest experience platform that services more than 100,000 hotel rooms. The acquisition aims to combine physical door-lock security with digital guest communication and check-in services into a single, unified hospitality technology solution.
- Crackdown
Opelika proposes new licensing structure for short-term rentals
City officials in Opelika, Alabama, have introduced a proposal to establish a new licensing and regulatory structure for short-term rentals. The proposed ordinance aims to create a formal registration process and safety standards for local hosts, bringing structured oversight to the city's growing vacation rental market.
- Crackdown
Westerly Council delays vote on short-term rental regulations
The Westerly Town Council has delayed a scheduled vote on proposed short-term rental regulations, opting instead to hold a workshop to further discuss the rules. Local officials decided to postpone the decision to allow more time to address community feedback and refine the licensing framework before enacting new laws.
- Platforms
EU AI Act forces disclosure changes on hotel marketing
Article 50 of the European Union AI Act, which has been in force since August 2026, is changing how hospitality businesses present themselves online. The regulation requires hotels utilizing AI-generated visuals, promotional videos, and automated customer service chatbots to meet strict disclosure and transparency obligations when interacting with consumers.
- Markets
Campers embrace AI tools as outdoor travel demand grows
A survey of 1,500 campers across the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand by RMS reveals that two-thirds of respondents plan to take more camping trips over the next year. The research also shows that online search has overtaken word of mouth as the primary method for discovering outdoor accommodations, with 14% of campers now using AI tools to research their trips.
- Markets
Sykes Holiday Cottages reports rise in September bookings
September bookings at Sykes Holiday Cottages have increased by 3% year-on-year, according to the UK short-term rental agency. The company reports that travelers are continuing to book domestic breaks in the UK beyond the peak summer season, indicating sustained demand for autumn getaways.
- Markets
Major US summer sports events projected to drive millions in spending
A joint research project by Expedia Group and PredictHQ reveals that 18 major sporting events in the United States this summer are projected to generate more than $537 million in visitor spending. The data shows that these events will draw over 4 million attendees. Accommodation spending alone is expected to reach $259 million, with travelers booking their stays an average of 62 days in advance.
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