Podcasts about otas

For the final episode in this special Future of Travel series, I sat down with someone who has quietly shaped more of the vacation rental industry than almost anyone working in it today: Tim Rosolio, VP of Vacation Rental Partner Success at Expedia Group. If you've ever wondered how VRBO evolved from a subscription classifieds site to a global e-commerce engine—or what the next decade of supply, demand, and distribution will actually look like—this is the conversation insiders will be talking about. Tim has spent the better part of a decade helping lead VRBO through some of the most dramatic shifts the category has ever seen: the end of inquiry-based booking, the rise of instant book, the professionalization of hosts, the explosion of supply post-2020, and now, the dawn of a new era where quality, trust, and distribution matter more than raw inventory. In this conversation, we get into: When vacation rentals truly went mainstream Why Vrbo is prioritizing quality over raw supply The rise of branded portfolios and social-led demand Expedia Group's distribution advantage How One Key changes the funnel The real take on OTAs vs. direct Connect with Tim: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tim-rosolio-434b2a98/ Connect with Zach: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zacharybusekrus/ Apply to join the Journey Alliance: http://journey.com/alliance/   Behind the Stays is brought to you by Journey — a first-of-its-kind loyalty program that brings together an alliance of the world's top independently owned and operated stays and allows travelers to earn points and perks on boutique hotels, vacation rentals, treehouses, ski chalets, glamping experiences and so much more. Your host is Zach Busekrus, Head of the Journey Alliance. If you are a hospitality entrepreneur who has a stay, or a collection of stays with soul, we'd love for you to apply to join our Alliance at journey.com/alliance.

IN CLEAR FOCUS: Jessica Gillingham, author of "Tech-Enabled Hospitality," explores how tech is reshaping hospitality marketing and the guest journey. She discusses the challenge of marketing to digital natives who expect a seamless journey from search to booking. Jessica explains how data silos and reliance on OTAs prevent true personalization and building direct guest relationships. Learn how marketers can create loyalty beyond points and shift from per-night transactions to customer LTV.

30 Euro gespart, drei Wochen Stress kassiert – genau so kann es laufen, wenn du deinen Flug über eine OTA buchst statt direkt bei der Airline. In dieser Folge spreche ich darüber, warum ich meine Flüge fast nie über Online Travel Agencies buche, obwohl sie auf den ersten Blick oft günstiger wirken. Du erfährst, was im Hintergrund eigentlich passiert, wenn ein Flug gestrichen wird, warum Zuständigkeiten im Ernstfall wichtiger sind als 20 Euro Preisunterschied – und in welchen wenigen Fällen OTAs trotzdem sinnvoll sein können. Darüber sprechen wir in der Folge: - Warum „billiger“ nicht automatisch „günstiger“ ist - Was OTAs eigentlich sind – und wie sie sich von Metasuchmaschinen unterscheiden - Mein reales Beispiel: gestrichener Regionalflug in Afrika und OTA-Support-Chaos - Wer dich im Problemfall wirklich weiterbringen muss: Airline vs. OTA - Das Risiko von getrennten Tickets, Self-Transfer und Flughafenwechseln (Paris, London & Co.) - Warum ein durchgehendes Ticket mit Interline-Partnern so viel wert ist - In welchen Situationen OTAs trotzdem okay oder sogar praktisch sein können - Meine persönliche Checkliste: Wann ich IMMER direkt bei der Airline buche Wenn dir die Folge gefällt, folg dem Podcast in deiner Podcast-App, lass mir gerne eine Bewertung da und teil die Episode mit Menschen, die gerade ihre nächste Reise planen – damit sie beim Buchen nicht in dieselbe Falle tappen.

Greg Schulze has spent more than two decades helping build one of the most influential companies in modern travel — Expedia Group. But here's the thing about Greg — he doesn't talk like a corporate executive. He talks like a traveler. He's lived and worked all over the world. He named his dog Kaya after a coconut jam he discovered while living in Southeast Asia. And he still lights up when describing what it feels like to walk through an airport on the cusp of somewhere new. Greg's career has spanned from American Airlines in the early 2000s to leading Expedia Group's global commercial strategy today — a period that's seen the birth of OTAs, the rise of mobile, and now, the dawn of the AI-powered traveler. In this episode, Greg and I explore: How Expedia has evolved from a dot-com upstart to a travel empire spanning Expedia, Hotels.com, and Vrbo. What he's learned from 20 years of guiding one of the most complex, global marketplaces in the world. The real story behind Expedia's relationship with independent operators — and what “partner forward” actually means. How the tension between discovery and control will define the next decade of travel planning. And why he believes the future of OTAs will be built not on ads or algorithms — but on trust, clarity, and flexibility. Greg's a global citizen in the truest sense of the word — deeply thoughtful about the human side of technology and the emotional heartbeat of travel itself. This conversation is the second episode in my new Behind the Stays series, The Future of Travel, recorded live at EXPLORE Connect in Austin, Texas — a gathering of the world's top vacation rental operators and hospitality leaders. If you care about where the industry is headed — and how the people behind its biggest brands are thinking about discovery, booking, and guest experience in the years ahead — this is a must-listen.   Connect with Greg: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregschulze/?originalSubdomain=uk Connect with Zach: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zacharybusekrus/ Apply to join the Journey Alliance: http://journey.com/alliance/   Behind the Stays is brought to you by Journey — a first-of-its-kind loyalty program that brings together an alliance of the world's top independently owned and operated stays and allows travelers to earn points and perks on boutique hotels, vacation rentals, treehouses, ski chalets, glamping experiences and so much more. Your host is Zach Busekrus, Head of the Journey Alliance. If you are a hospitality entrepreneur who has a stay, or a collection of stays with soul, we'd love for you to apply to join our Alliance at journey.com/alliance.

Front desks are evolving fast. Search behavior is changing even faster. Hospitality is staring at a major technology turning point — and those who move now will own the next era of bookings. I connected with Bill Ryan, Chief Technology Officer at BWH Hotels, to talk about how the company is modernizing its tech stack, reducing training time, simplifying payments, and preparing for a future where travelers begin planning inside AI platforms like ChatGPT and Perplexity. We break it all down on #NoVacancyNews, including how intuitive systems free staff to focus on guests, why one-day onboarding matters for retention, and what it takes for hotel brands to become discoverable in AI-driven search. This is a moment to use technology to amplify hospitality, not replace it.

What happens when an ice cream shop owner decides to reinvent hospitality in the heart of bourbon country?

Why the Space Force Needs a 'Tony Stark Acquisition Model'The Pentagon takes years to build what China develops in months. But what if the problem isn't the technology: it's the system itself?Colonel Eric Felt (ret.) spent his career inside the machine—leading the Air Force Research Lab Space Vehicles Directorate and shaping Space Force acquisition at the Pentagon. Now he's breaking down exactly where defense innovation breaks, and how to fix it.In this conversation, we cover:The "Valley of Death" and why it's actually a GOOD thingThe "Tony Stark Acquisition Model" and how it worksSupply chain vulnerabilities in space systemsHow to bridge research labs and battlefield fasterPPBE budget reform and acquisition workarounds (OTAs, BTRs, quick-start authorities)The Replicator initiative for proliferated LEO satellitesGolden Dome missile defense and what it really meansWhy peacetime makes us complacent and vulnerableCommercial space partnerships that actually work (Starlink case study)How to sell technology to the DoD (insights from someone who bought it).Whether you're building space tech, working in defense, investing in dual-use technology, or just want to understand how America can move faster in great power competition...this is essential viewing.The Cold Star Project - Season 4, Episode 24Hosted, Directed, and Produced by Jason Kanigan“The real conversations behind the new space economy, defense tech, and policy—straight from the insiders building it.”Previous Interviews with Col. Felt:    • Eric Felt on the Cold Star Project  Jason's latest Space industry book, for space startup founders - "The Evolution of Space Ownership": https://coldstartech.com/evospaceFair Use Disclaimer: https://coldstarproject.com/fairuseRemuneration DisclaimerWe were not remunerated by the guest or their organization if any for this discussion. This show is for educational/commentary and entertainment purposes only and is not meant to be what is termed "professional advice".The Cold Star Project is sponsored in partnership by Cold Star Technologies and the Operational Excellence Society. Jason Kanigan is a member of the OpEx Society board of advisors.

Welcome back to the Episode 801 of Boostly Podcast!

What happens when a lifelong hotelier challenges the traditional franchise model — and discovers a better way to grow brands, revenue, and guest loyalty? In today's episode, David and Steve sit down with Fredrick Schoener, Brand Director at Silverstone Inns and a lifetime hotelier known for his innovative approach to the hotel business, franchise models, and revenue growth.Fredrick shares his incredible journey in hospitality — from front desk to owner, to brand director — and reveals why he believes membership-based hotel branding models will redefine the future of hospitality.Today, you'll learn about:How hotel owners can make money, even in tough marketsWhy most properties rely more on OTAs than they admitHow Gen Z will transform hotel ownership and brandingWhy thick franchise contracts hurt owners — and what to do insteadThe mindset needed to grow from entry-level employee to brand leaderWatch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/y7li-1ysP6gLinks:Fredrick on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fredrick-schoener-cha-a5153517/SilverStone Inns: https://www.silverstoneinns.com/For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/225Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-...Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn pageConnect with Steve and David:Steve: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%F0%9F%8E...David: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-mil.

Send us a textThe Giants face their toughest test yet — the injury-riddled 49ers are coming to town, and everything is on the line for Big Blue.Which storyline has you fired up most: Malik Nabers' surgery, Dexter Lawrence firing back at Carl Banks, or Cam Skattebo's road to recovery? Tell us below and don't forget to hit Subscribe to join the Goofball Army!Nabers finally underwent surgery a full month after his knee injury, calming fans worried about his long-term future. While the recovery timeline keeps him out until 2026 training camp, his surgery went smoothly — a key milestone for one of NY's cornerstone stars.Meanwhile, Dexter Lawrence lit up headlines after former Giants legend Carl Banks claimed opponents “don't respect” him anymore. Lawrence fired back hard, pointing to being double-teamed on over 72% of snaps and his rising 13.5% pass-rush win rate. The tape agrees — he's still drawing elite-level attention. The real issue may lie in scheme changes that moved him away from his most dominant spot at nose tackle.Then there's the brutal injury to Skattebo. Ian Rapoport reported that the rookie back suffered a dislocated ankle, fibula fracture, and ligament rupture, requiring immediate surgery. Doctors say recovery should take roughly six months, meaning Skattebo should return by OTAs. Despite the gruesome moment, the outlook remains encouraging.We'll also preview this week's showdown with the 49ers — a team somehow sitting 5-3 despite 22 injuries across their roster. Saleh's defense remains tough, CMC continues to carry the offense, and Brock Purdy's status looms large. The Giants' keys to victory are simple: contain CMC, finish in the red zone, create pressure, and stretch the field deep when protection allows.Thank you for watching & for your support. You made it to the bottom of the description so you must like the show!Show Everyone You are a Goofball By Checking Out Our Merchandise Storehttps://2giantgoofballs-shop.fourthwall.com/Support the Show on Buy Me a Coffee – Kill Our Livers Buy Us Beers!https://buymeacoffee.com/2giantgoofballsSubscribe to Our YouTube Channel – Best Way to Watch Our Contenthttps://www.youtube.com/@2giantgoofballs?sub_confirmation=1Become a Member of the YouTube Goofball Channel for Perkshttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-tiLjkehiawtN-v6gMFViA/joinFollow us On Facebookhttps://www.facebook.com/2giantgoofballsFollow us On Xhttps://x.com/2giantgoofballsPrefer Audio Only? Check Out Those Options Herehttps://2giantgoofballs.buzzsprout.com/#nygiants #giants #newyorkgiants #giantsfootball #nygiantsfanSupport the show

In this episode of the Host Planet Podcast – powered by Hostfully – Natalie Dowling breaks down DAC7 – the EU directive changing how short-term rental income is reported and taxed.We cover:- What DAC7 is and why it was introduced.- How it affects hosts and property management companies.- Who's responsible for data collection and reporting.- How to stay compliant — and what happens if you don't.- The real penalties for getting DAC7 wrong.Many STR businesses are still in the dark about DAC7 – this episode gives you the clarity you need to stay ahead, stay compliant, and protect your business.0:49 What is DAC7 and why was it introduced?6:32 How DAC7 affects short-term rental hosts and property managers8:02 The platform authority is responsible for reporting8:30 How to collect data and report earnings 11:10 Some companies are still in the dark about DAC712:24 Where property management companies can go for help13:49 Where PMCs should start15:49 Can an accountant deal with this?17:21 The difference between personal and company set-ups on the OTAs like Airbnb and Booking.com18:44 The potential penalties of not complying with DAC7Blog post featuring key links: https://www.hostplanet.club/post/dac7-what-every-short-term-rental-business-needs-to-knowLooking for a great PMS or digital guidebook? You need Hostfully!Check out these special offers:Property Management Software: Get $500 off onboarding by using the code PLANET500.Digital Guidebooks: Get 30% off for life by using the code HOSTPLANETGB.Click here to sign up for Hostfully: https://tinyurl.com/3ay8bhtkKeen to book a Hostfully demo? Click here to connect with Frank Bosi: https://tinyurl.com/Hostfully-DemoEmail Frank: frank@hostfully.com Host Planet: https://www.hostplanet.club/James Varley: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jdsvarley/Natalie Dowling: https://www.linkedin.com/in/natalie-dowling-53b52171/Hartford Consulting: https://www.hartfordconsultants.co.uk/Episode to check next: Welsh Holiday Let Owners Are Giving Up: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SB-a8ZM5xWUHost Planet Podcast is presented by James Varley, a holiday let investor and property manager who is also the Founder of Host Planet. Before founding Host Planet, James spent 20 years in the media, including a decade leading corporate communications for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.Contact the show: info@hostplanet.club#HostPlanet #HostPlanetPodcast #HostPlanetBitesize #ShortTermRentals #VacationRentals #HolidayLets #Airbnb #BookDirect #PropertyManagement #PropertyInvestment #BookingCom #Vrbo #JamesVarley #Hostfully #PMS #DigitalGuidebooks #SpecialOffer #DAC7 #NatalieDowling #HartfordConsulting

WWJ auto analyst John McElroy reports Tesla came up with over the air updates, or OTAs, and doesn't get enough credit for it.

This morning on Good Morning Hospitality, Michael Goldin, Brandreth Canaley, and Jamie Lane explore three major forces reshaping travel and hospitality. First, they examine how the rise of agentic AI could transform OTAs into passive order-takers. Next, they dive into the new social-features rollout on Airbnb Experiences that aim to deepen guest-to-guest connection and engagement. Finally, with the U.S. federal hiring freeze entering day 27 of the shutdown, Jamie brings data and insight on how this continues to ripple through airports, national parks, and hotel-adjacent services. Presented by ⁠⁠Lodgify⁠⁠ Follow the Hosts: Brandy Canaley – ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Jamie Lane – ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Michael Goldin – ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Connect with Skift: LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/skift/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ WhatsApp: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaAL375LikgIXmNPYQ0L/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://facebook.com/skiftnews⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/skiftnews/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Threads: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.threads.net/@skiftnews⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Bluesky: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://bsky.app/profile/skiftnews.bsky.social⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ X: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://twitter.com/skift⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Subscribe to ⁠@SkiftNews⁠ and never miss an update from the travel industry.

This morning on Good Morning Hospitality, Michael Goldin, Brandreth Canaley, and Jamie Lane explore three major forces reshaping travel and hospitality. First, they examine how the rise of agentic AI could transform OTAs into passive order-takers. Next, they dive into the new social-features rollout on Airbnb Experiences that aim to deepen guest-to-guest connection and engagement. Finally, with the U.S. federal hiring freeze entering day 27 of the shutdown, Jamie brings data and insight on how this continues to ripple through airports, national parks, and hotel-adjacent services. Presented by ⁠⁠Lodgify⁠⁠ Follow the Hosts: Brandy Canaley – ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Jamie Lane – ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Michael Goldin – ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Connect with Skift: LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/skift/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ WhatsApp: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaAL375LikgIXmNPYQ0L/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://facebook.com/skiftnews⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/skiftnews/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Threads: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.threads.net/@skiftnews⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Bluesky: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://bsky.app/profile/skiftnews.bsky.social⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ X: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://twitter.com/skift⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Subscribe to ⁠@SkiftNews⁠ and never miss an update from the travel industry.

Occupational therapy assistants are the bedrock of treatment provision in many OT departments throughout the country.In fact, In large rural SNFs, around  58% of OT staffing minutes are by OTAs.And, in rural and underserved communities, about 48% of all Medicare outpatient therapy services are provided by OTAs.But, not enough continuing education has been geared towards the unique challenges and opportunities within this profession. That's why I'm so thankful to begin a new annual series on Hot Topics for OTAs, with our first guest, Amy Mahle Ed.D., COTA/L, ROH. Amy and I will discuss the hot topics that are top of mind headed into 2026:  from changing reimbursement to the OTA pipeline, to new technologies at the point of care. This course is perfect for both occupational therapy assistants, and occupational therapists who are curious to learn more about our closest colleagues. Support the show

In this episode, I'm joined by the brilliant Jenn Boyles, founder of the Direct Booking Success Summit and host of the Direct Booking Success Podcast. Jenn is a passionate advocate for empowering hosts and property managers to take back control from the OTAs - and she did it herself with an incredible 80% direct booking rate. We go deep into why direct booking is no longer an annual one-day event but a year-round strategy every host needs to embrace. From her humble beginnings managing a rental in the French Alps to launching one of the industry's most impactful virtual summits, Jenn shares her journey and the practical tactics that helped her (and now others) succeed.

Richard Valtr didn't just build hotel software—he rewired what a stay could be. Before Mews, he was designing a 60-key hotel in Prague with a brazen brief: make every guest feel five-star without hiring an army. He imagined stays like playlists—moods, moments, choices—then realized the industry lacked the pipes to power it. So he built them: an open-API PMS as the backbone for personalization at scale. Today on the show, I'm joined by Richard Valtr—founder of Mews, hotelier-turned-systems architect, and one of the sharpest minds pushing hospitality past “heads in beds.” In this episode, we: Explore how that 60-key Prague experiment became a prototype for Mews—and whether a “playlist for your stay” can actually scale. Discuss why the real upside may live in the 16 waking hours, and how RevPAG could nudge P&Ls beyond a bed-only mindset. Explore what changes when spend is posted to the guest, not the room—and whether that unlocks offers people actually want next time. Discuss how personalization might honor your different modes—parent, partner, road warrior—with AI helping dial convenience vs. high-touch. Explore what an open-by-default stack could enable—and what the future relationship between OTAs and operators might look like (and how it could benefit everyone). Connect with Richard: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-valtr-79541410/ Explore Mews: https://www.mews.com/en Connect with Zach: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zacharybusekrus/ Apply to join the Journey Alliance: http://journey.com/alliance/   Behind the Stays is brought to you by Journey — a first-of-its-kind loyalty program that brings together an alliance of the world's top independently owned and operated stays and allows travelers to earn points and perks on boutique hotels, vacation rentals, treehouses, ski chalets, glamping experiences and so much more. Your host is Zach Busekrus, Head of the Journey Alliance. If you are a hospitality entrepreneur who has a stay, or a collection of stays with soul, we'd love for you to apply to join our Alliance at journey.com/alliance.

In this penultimate episode in our series on Direct Booking, this is an episode you can't afford to miss. Heather is joined by long-time industry leader Chris Maughan, the founder of i-PRAC and a pioneer in the trust movement for short-term rentals. This conversation isn't about OTAs, algorithms, or the latest booking engine. It's about what really drives guests to book directly - and it's not price or promotions. It's trust. Chris unpacks the real psychological barriers guests face when booking direct, and why removing uncertainty is the single most important thing you can do to boost conversions. Whether you're a solo host or managing hundreds of properties, building trust into every aspect of your brand is no longer optional - it's essential.

Send us a message!In this episode, Alex & Annie are joined by Marissa Galle, founder of Click Media, to explore the real impact of photography, video, and social content on brand perception and booking behavior.Marissa shares how vacation rental operators can move beyond generic listings and start using visual storytelling to connect with guests, stand out on OTAs, and bring more personality into their marketing. From FPV drone shots to content repurposing strategies, she breaks down what works and why.We cover:1️⃣ What “visual storytelling” means in a modern vacation rental business2️⃣ How to turn property photos into content that inspires trust and excitement3️⃣ The biggest mistakes operators make with social media and video4️⃣ Why showing your team is just as important as showing your homes5️⃣ How Click is making it easier to access high-quality media services at scaleIf you're looking for fresh ways to strengthen your brand and drive more direct demand, this episode is packed with practical ideas to help you do just that.Connect with Marissa:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marissagalle/ Website: https://letsgoclick.com/ Get 20% off any yearly or bi-yearly Lodgify plan, plus free personalized onboarding (a $3,000 value).

In this episode, we chat about the "digital sharecroppers" commonly known as the OTAs with Humphrey Bowles, the CEO of Truvi. Enjoy!⭐️ Links & Show NotesAdam NorkoConrad O'Connell Humphrey BowlesTruvi

In this powerful and insightful episode, Amb. Elisha sits down with Brian Searl, the brilliant founder of Insider Perks, to unpack how AI, creativity, and storytelling are transforming the campground and outdoor hospitality industry.

Skift CEO Rafat Ali argues OTAs face a “permission to remain relevant” test as travel shifts into its third transformation—from search-and-book to AI agents that can bypass intermediaries entirely. The U.S. passport has fallen to 12th on the Henley Passport Index, with visa-free access to 180 destinations and recent reciprocity moves (like Brazil ending visa-free entry) contributing to the slide, while Singapore, South Korea, and Japan lead. India's Leela Palaces Hotels & Resorts will make its first international move with a 25% stake in a 546-key Dubai beachfront resort—set to rebrand in 2027—as the group expands from 13 to 22 properties over three years. Connect with Skift LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/skift/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ WhatsApp: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaAL375LikgIXmNPYQ0L/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://facebook.com/skiftnews⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/skiftnews/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Threads: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.threads.net/@skiftnews⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Bluesky: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://bsky.app/profile/skiftnews.bsky.social⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ X: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://twitter.com/skift⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Subscribe to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@SkiftNews⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and never miss an update from the travel industry.

An analyst argues Booking.com and other OTAs are well-equipped to withstand AI challengers like ChatGPT and Gemini thanks to deep behavioral data and robust payments networks, even as Booking acknowledges real disruption risks. Delta posted record Q3 revenue powered by its loyalty engine and a 12% YoY jump in American Express proceeds—$2B in the quarter and $7.4B year-to-date—with leadership leaning into high-income travelers who drive ~95% of revenue. Corporate travel platform Navan filed to IPO at up to a $6.45B valuation—about 30% below its 2022 private mark—seeking up to $960M as filings show improving margins and 34% growth in first-half 2025 gross bookings to $4.1B. Will AI Disrupt Booking and Other OTAs? One Analyst Says They're ‘Well-Positioned' Navan Seeks $6.45 Billion IPO Valuation — a 30% Haircut From 2022 Delta's Amex Numbers Show Its Growing Bet on Wealthy Travelers Connect with Skift LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/skift/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ WhatsApp: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaAL375LikgIXmNPYQ0L/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://facebook.com/skiftnews⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/skiftnews/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Threads: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.threads.net/@skiftnews⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Bluesky: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://bsky.app/profile/skiftnews.bsky.social⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ X: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://twitter.com/skift⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Subscribe to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@SkiftNews⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and never miss an update from the travel industry.

In this Govcon Giants episode, I sat down with Eric Raven, former Under Secretary of the Navy (2022–2024) and longtime defense budget insider, to uncover how a $260B department with nearly 900,000 people actually buys from tens of thousands of small businesses—and where the next wave of Government contracting dollars is headed. From small-business access through Gold Coast (Navy Gold Coast Conference) and buying commands like NAVAIR and NAVSEA, to workforce demands in the submarine industrial base, to the administration's ambitious “Golden Dome” missile-defense program, this episode is packed with insights you can act on now. Access & Wins: How to engage Navy buying commands (BSOs), why responding to RFIs/Sources Sought matters, and how to leverage events like Gold Coast. Scale & Policy: The shift toward “teeth > tail,” OTAs, and commercial practices that scale pilots from a handful of units to 10,000+. Where the Money's Going: Submarine base supply chain (17k suppliers, 100k workers needed), the U.S. shipbuilding gap (0.1% vs. China's ~50%), and the $175B–$500B Golden Dome initiative. Learn more: https://govcongiants.org/ Erik's Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erik-raven-7359a6324/ 

In this episode of the Hospitable Host podcast, we speak with Damian Sheridan, Co-Founder and CEO of Scale, about the significance of direct bookings in the short-term rental industry. We discuss the importance of diversifying distribution channels beyond OTAs, the mindset shift required for hosts to embrace direct bookings, and practical strategies for building guest relationships and brand identity. The conversation also touches on advertising strategies and the upcoming Book Direct Show in Manchester, highlighting the importance of education and community in the direct booking space.Sleep easy, host confidently with Hospitable. Automate your guest messages, sync your calendar across booking channels, and protect yourself from bad direct booking guests.Sign up today at hospitable.com/podcast and get 25% off your bill for 3 months.

In this episode of The Digital Marketing Podcast, Daniel Rowles is joined by Matthew Gardiner from World Travel Market for a special look at how the user journey is being radically reshaped, and why the travel industry offers a powerful lens for understanding the broader changes all marketers now face. From AI-powered search and agents, to disconnected content ecosystems, collapsing funnels, and new expectations for sustainability and meaning, the way users discover, evaluate, and buy has shifted. Whether you work in travel or not, this episode delivers insight into how to adapt your digital strategy for a fragmented, AI-enhanced, and purpose-driven customer journey. In This Episode: Why AI is collapsing the funnel Users no longer move in a straight line from awareness to action. Conversations with AI agents like ChatGPT are replacing multi-step journeys. Whoever owns the AI conversation, owns the customer. From connected to disconnected content The shift from traditional, connected social feeds to short-form, algorithmically driven discovery (Reels, TikToks, Shorts) has changed how we build awareness and trust. AI Overviews and Answer Engine Optimisation With 55% of Google searches now including AI summaries, Daniel explains why SEO alone is not enough and how Generative Engine Optimisation (GEO) and Answer Engine Optimisation (AEO) are the new battlegrounds. Agents are doing the work From itinerary planning to automated bookings, AI agents are reshaping how users interact with brands, often bypassing websites altogether. The new role of structured data Matthew shares how travel brands must now treat structured markup (schema) as a new kind of distribution, ensuring they are machine-readable to AI systems. Why user testing must change Daniel explains why marketers must rethink usability testing to account for personalised algorithms, behaviour-based ad targeting, and AI-powered search. Brand loyalty as a survival tactic In an age of disintermediation, programmes like Bonvoy are keeping users loyal through gamification and exclusive benefits, offering lessons for all industries. Content strategy for the AI era From FAQs and multilingual support to video answers and UGC, the path to visibility is paved with granular, high-quality, human-first content. Industry Case Study: Travel Through a detailed conversation with Matthew Gardiner, the episode explores how the travel industry has continually adapted to disruption. From the rise of OTAs and TripAdvisor to today's challenges around AI agents, soft adventure trends, live tourism, and sustainability expectations, travel may be the canary in the coal mine but its lessons are highly applicable to every sector. Key Takeaways: AI is not just changing how people search; it is rewriting how people trust, book, and choose. Being mentioned in AI conversations is the new SEO. Structured data and FAQ-rich content are your ticket in. Agents now do things, not just recommend. Optimising for transactions and post-click experience is vital. Loyalty schemes, brand identity, and customer advocacy matter more than ever to bypass AI's generic results. Usability testing must reflect real, personalised experiences, not idealised lab setups.

In a market some call “oversaturated,” Kristen and Michael have proven that storytelling, strategy, and smart reinvestment can still make a short-term rental shine. The husband-and-wife duo behind The Seventh Ray House in Joshua Tree join Sarah and Annette to share how they got started, the risks they took, and how they continue to grow in a competitive space.From renovating while living on-site to launching a direct booking website with Lodgify, Kristen and Michael break down the reality of building a sustainable hosting business—what worked, what didn't, and what they'd do differently if they had to start over.You'll learn how they:Balanced risk while betting on themselves in an uncertain market.Reinvested strategically with upgrades like a Nordic Warrior XL hot tub.Elevated their brand through professional photography and design.Built a direct booking strategy with Lodgify to reduce reliance on OTAs.Navigated discount requests, direct booking fears, and guest challenges.Shifted goals as their family and hosting journey evolved.Whether you're just starting out or looking to refine your hosting strategy, this episode will inspire you to think long-term, reinvest wisely, and bring pride and creativity to your rental.Resources: Lodgify – Build your own professional direct booking website and reduce reliance on OTAs.The Seventh Ray House Direct Booking Site – Book directly with Kristen and Michael at their stunning Joshua Tree property.Mentioned in this episode:StayFi | Go to www.stayfi.com and enter TFV to get 50% off your first three months.Minoan | Visit MinoanExperience.com and tell them TFV sent you!

In this episode, the guys dive into a candid live session at Arival, joined by a live audience. The guys deliver sharp insights on hot topics for watersport operators, including dynamic pricing, conversion rate optimization, upselling strategies, and customer acquisition costs. They share real world examples of how small changes in booking funnels, social proof, and early bird promotions can significantly boost revenue while addressing the challenges of customer retention in a “once in a lifetime” industry. The conversation also explores CRM adoption, lead follow up strategies, and the importance of sustainable marketing channels beyond Google and OTAs.[SPONSORS] - This show is sponsored by Take My Boat Test and WaveRez.Show Links:Website: https://www.watersportpodcast.comFacebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/awgpodcastFacebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1155418904790489Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/awg_podcast/

Gideon Spencer shares how he scaled from a cash-flowing fourplex to $6M in boutique hotels using automation, creative financing, and the mentor flywheel.In this episode of RealDealChat, Jack sits down with Gideon Spencer, real estate investor and founder of a new boutique hotel community, to discuss how he scaled from a fourplex short-term rental to multi-million-dollar boutique hotels in just two years.Gideon shares his origin story in tech, the family health crisis that fueled his drive for automated wealth, and how he uses systems, teams, and creative financing to scale fast. He also explains his “mentor flywheel” strategy for networking and deal flow—responsible for acquiring $6.5M in real estate.Here's what you'll learn in this conversation:How to turn a fourplex into a cash-printing short-term rental businessThe tech automations that make boutique hotels nearly hands-offWhat defines a boutique hotel & why travelers prefer themHow to find asymmetric return markets (better in bad times)The baby boomer “silver tsunami” fueling hotel opportunitiesWhy mom-and-pop hotel owners are the best sellersCase studies: $300 water valve fix = $600K in valueThe most expensive lesson: permitting delays in CaliforniaWhy “never pay someone to do what you could do yourself” is bad adviceThe mentor flywheel: building relationships that lead to dealsWhy creative financing (seller financing, sub-to, private money) is key

Non-traditional contracting is exploding in government contracting, and small businesses can win faster by learning the rules. In this episode, Michael LeJeune and guest expert Angela Webb break down BAAs, CSOs, OTAs, and SBIR/STTR, when to use each, and where to find them on SAM.gov. You will learn the typical cadence from five-page white paper to full proposal, realistic timelines to award, how consortiums like AFWERX and SOFWERX fit in, and smart pipeline mix recommendations for tech and non-tech firms. We also cover pricing tips, prize challenges, and practical guidance for educating contracting officers with one-pagers that show exactly how to buy from you. If you want faster paths to revenue in GovCon, this is your playbook. ----- Frustrated with your government contracting journey? Join our group coaching community here: federal-access.com/gamechangers Grab my #1 bestselling book, "I'm New to Government Contracting. Where Should I Start?" Here: https://amzn.to/4hHLPeE Book a call with me here: https://calendly.com/michaellejeune/govconstrategysession

In this first episode of a special 5-part series on direct booking, Heather Bayer sits down with Louis Andrews, Director at OVO Network, to explore what it really takes to win the battle against OTAs and build a successful direct booking strategy. With OVO Network reaching 75-80% direct bookings, Louis shares the secrets behind their platform, the importance of niche branding, trust-building, and the role of tech and website UX in conversion success. Heather also reflects on her own company's success - CottageLINK Rental Management, which achieved 85% direct bookings by the time it was sold in 2022. This episode is packed with practical tips, real-world insights, and a passionate discussion about the future of the vacation rental industry.

Send us a message!When Airbnb changes its policies, the ripple effect can shake operators everywhere. For many, the problem is deeper than one policy update. Relying too heavily on a single platform leaves businesses vulnerable, and the cracks are starting to show.In this episode, Mark Simpson, CEO and founder of Boostly, shares why now is the time for vacation rental operators to double down on direct bookings. Drawing from more than a decade of helping hosts grow beyond OTAs, Mark brings practical steps that any operator can put into action.We cover:1️⃣ Why overreliance on OTAs creates long-term risk for property managers2️⃣ How to turn guest data into a foundation for repeat bookings3️⃣ Simple strategies that work even without a large marketing budget4️⃣ Ways to use referrals, user-generated content, and email campaigns to build stronger relationships with guests5️⃣ What Boostly is creating to make direct bookings more accessible and effectiveMark also opens up about the importance of creativity in marketing, sharing real stories of campaigns that cut through the noise at conferences and online. His approach proves that building direct channels is not only possible but powerful.Connect with Mark:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrmarksimpson/ Website: https://boostly.co.uk/ ✨ Exclusive Offer to Alex & Annie Listeners:Get free onboarding when you partner with Xplorie! Valid through November 30, 2025.

Don't forget — STR Marketing Simplified kicks off today (Sept 23–25)! It's a free 3-day workshop where I'll walk you through how to rely less on OTAs and build a marketing system that works. Save your seat here (or catch the replays if you can't make it live).

What specific AI-related things are good hotel commercial leaders actually doing today? Great question! It's already everywhere, so we got deep and practical for this episode. We talk about:How Al agents are starting to handle everything from customer service queries to qualifying sales leads, reshaping the whole workforceHow AI is elevating guest experience through customer data, CRM, and audience managementWhere AI is getting all its hotel dataThe coming drop in search engine volumeTools you can use to optimize your website and format your content for AI readability

Gerar demanda de um lado, garantir oferta do outro, equilibrar expectativas e ainda manter a operação de pé. Como navegar essa complexidade quando o seu negócio atende múltiplos perfis de cliente ao mesmo tempo?Neste episódio do Growthaholics, Pedro Waengertner conversa com Julia Solomon, CMO do Charlie — startup que está reinventando a forma como lidamos com hospedagens de curta e média duração no Brasil. Desde o primeiro prédio operado até o canal próprio com 38% de share, a Julia compartilha como estruturaram uma operação escalável, mesmo com públicos muito distintos — de incorporadoras a viajantes corporativos.Falamos sobre segmentação de times, trade-offs na escolha dos primeiros canais de aquisição, transição de ferramentas, automações com IA e os dilemas que surgem ao expandir o escopo do ICP. Julia também destrincha como o Charlie evoluiu do foco inicial em supply para a construção de uma base própria de demanda — e como isso transformou o negócio.Como escolher o ICP inicial sem travar o crescimento futuroA importância (e o timing certo) de investir em processos e ferramentasEstratégias para sair da dependência das OTAs e construir canal próprioO que muda quando você vende para fundos, viajantes e empresas — ao mesmo tempoSe sua startup atende mais de um perfil de cliente — ou está cogitando isso — esse papo é pra você.Dá o play e vem com a gente!

Send us a textWelcome to What's Up in Business Travel for Week 36 of 2025.  This is a weekly podcast where we update you on what's up this week in the world of business travel.  This podcast is great for those who need to know what's happening all in under 15 minutes.On this week's podcast, we covered the following stories -OTAs spend over $5B in Q2 marketing spendFAA ‘safety alert' warns airlinesJudge grants Spirit access to emergency fundingU.S. to increase ESTA FeeJetBlue targets struggling SpiritAvelo places order for 50 planesUnited & ITA codesharing beginsAmadeus and BAGTAG partner for EBT updatesAlaska Airlines and Icelandair expand codeshareSpiceJet signs Interline Agreement with Gulf AirAir India partners with Avis IndiaUber app to get Blade electric air taxisAmazon launches its Robotaxi Service in Las VegasAir France starts free Wi-Fi rolloutYou can subscribe to this podcast by searching 'BusinessTravel360' on your favorite podcast player or visiting BusinessTravel360.comThis podcast was created, edited and distributed by BusinessTravel360.  Be sure to sign up for regular updates at BusinessTravel360.com - Enjoy!Support the show

Send us a message!Flexible cancellation policies are no longer optional in today's vacation rental market. Guests expect them, OTAs prioritize them, and competitors are already adapting. But for property managers, relaxed policies often feel like a direct threat to revenue and owner trust.In this episode, we talk with Sasha Lawler, CEO and Founder of Roam, about how her company is eliminating that trade-off. Roam's embedded insurance model allows managers to offer flexible bookings that attract more guests while ensuring income is protected even if cancellations occur.Sasha shares her 15+ year journey in hospitality and vacation rental tech, the conversations with property managers that inspired Roam, and why now is the moment for the industry to catch up with hotels and airlines in offering flexibility.We discuss:1️⃣ Why strict cancellation policies create tension between managers, owners, and guests2️⃣ How Roam's model differs from traditional travel insurance3️⃣ The tech behind embedding refundable and non-refundable rate options into booking sites4️⃣ Why smaller operators are leveraging Roam to stabilize revenue and win new owners5️⃣ How turning cancellations into a strength can improve guest trust and long-term brand growthIf cancellations have ever kept you up at night, this episode will show you how flexibility can protect (not jeopardize) your revenue.Connect with Sasha:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sasha-lawler-a4b33677/ Website: https://goroam.io/ ✨ Exclusive Offer to Alex & Annie Listeners:Get free onboarding when you partner with Xplorie! Valid through November 30, 2025.

Connect with me at https://experimentrealestate.com/connectGet the FREE Mid-Term Rental Insurance Blueprint: https://experimentrealestate.com/#blueprint In this solo briefing, Ruben breaks down Airbnb's move to a single host-only fee (15.5%) for listings managed through property management software (PMS)—what's changing, when it hits, and what it means for operators. He clarifies the Aug 25 & Oct 27, 2025 timelines and why this shift underscores a hard truth: Airbnb optimizes for guests first, not hosts.Ruben shares the immediate, practical fix: adjust PMS channel markups (not your global pricing tool) so Airbnb prices reflect the new fee without mispricing you across other OTAs. Then he zooms out to strategy—leverage Airbnb's traffic, but don't depend on it. Diversify across VRBO/Expedia/Furnished Finder/Zillow, build direct-booking pathways through brand presence in-stay, and set business guardrails (no auto IB if it breaks your ops).You'll also hear how to turn Airbnb visibility into long-term relationships, protect margins with smarter pricing ops, and operate like a true B2B temp-housing brand. This isn't “Airbnb or nothing”—it's Airbnb and a resilient distribution stack.Tune in now to learn exactly how to update your pricing, protect profits, and future-proof your portfolio while still riding Airbnb's massive demand engine.Get the Midterm Rental Insurance Blueprint: https://experimentrealestate.com/#blueprint#ShortTermRentals #AirbnbHost #PMS #MidTermRentals #HospitalityOps #RevenueManagement #OTAstrategy #ExperimentNation

Independent hospitality is quickly growing in popularity, but discovery remains a big challenge for both travelers and operators. In this conversation, Brett McManus, owner of Après Inn in Killington, Vermont, and founder of Inndependent Stays, explains how he's addressing this gap. We discuss the costs of relying on OTAs, the power of people-first storytelling, and how AI-driven matching could reshape how travelers discover independent hospitality experiences. Learn more about Inndependent Stays and follow @InndependentStays on Instagram.See our other episodes:Fresh Insights From First-Time Hoteliers on Hospitality, Community & Accidentally Going Viral - Brett and Casey McManusHighs and Lows of Hospitality in 2025: What First-Time Innkeeper Brett McManus Learned About Guest Experience, Operations, and Tech [1-Year Check-In]How We Bring Independent Ideas to Life in Hospitality - Ryan Magnon & Scott Rohm, Ithaka Hospitality Partners A few more resources: If you're new to Hospitality Daily, start here. You can send me a message here with questions, comments, or guest suggestions If you want to get my summary and actionable insights from each episode delivered to your inbox each day, subscribe here for free. Follow Hospitality Daily and join the conversation on YouTube, LinkedIn, and Instagram. If you want to advertise on Hospitality Daily, here are the ways we can work together. If you found this episode interesting or helpful, send it to someone on your team so you can turn the ideas into action and benefit your business and the people you serve! Music for this show is produced by Clay Bassford of Bespoke Sound: Music Identity Design for Hospitality Brands

In this episode, we explore how Airbnb is shifting its fee structure to compete with OTAs and expand hotel inventory, while Las Vegas leans on conventions and trade shows to counter declining leisure tourism—showing how the travel industry is evolving to meet changing demands.Are you new and want to start your own hospitality business?Join our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook group⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow Boostly and join the discussion:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Want to know more about us? Visit our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Stay informed and ahead of the curve with the latest insights and analysis.

In this episode of The Modern Hotelier: Hospitality Hot Topics with Steve Carran and David Millili are joined by hospitality strategist Mandy Murry to break down the biggest trends and stories shaping the industry in August 2025. From evolving travel trends and the rise of AI trip planning to Soho House going private, Booking.com launching a credit card, and Airbnb's fee hikes, the team explores how these shifts are impacting hoteliers, guests, and the future of travel.They also discuss the growing demand for local, immersive experiences, the resurgence of hotel lobby bars and speakeasies, and what multi-generational travel and micro-cations mean for operators. Mandy shares updates on her work at Hospitality Concierge and offers insights on where the industry is headed next.Here's what we cover:AI trip planning, OTAs gaining influence, micro-cations, and multi-generational travelVacation rentals outperforming hotels + major service fee hikes for property managersWhat it means for loyalty, perks, and competition with airlinesWhy “secret bars” are having a big moment in 2025Watch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/e51kECyLHkU Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn pageThe Modern Hotelier is produced, edited, and published by Make More MediaLinks:Mandy on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/allmandy/Mandy's website: https://mandymurry.com/ Related Links: U.S. Traveler Trends in 2025SOHO House to Go Private in $2.7 Billion Deal Led by MCR HotelsBooking.com Launches Credit CardVacation Rentals outperform hotelsAirbnb raises service fee for Property Managers from 15.5% to 3%Forbes: Inside the Worlds Best Secret Hotel BarsWhat is New With Hospitality Concierge?For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/205Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-...Connect with Steve and David:Steve: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%F0%9F%8E...David: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-mil.

Send us a message!Airbnb's evolving policies have become one of the most pressing conversations in vacation rentals today - sparking questions, frustrations, and new realities for property managers across the industry.In this episode, Alex & Annie welcome Dennis Schaal, Founding Editor at Skift, to discuss what these changes mean for property managers and the broader short-term rental ecosystem. With more than 25 years of experience covering online travel, Dennis brings a sharp journalistic lens to the strategies shaping hospitality and why Airbnb's moves demand close attention.Together with Alex & Annie, the conversation explores:✅ What are the changes in Airbnb's terms and conditions✅ Why Airbnb made this move now✅ How property managers could be affected✅ What it signals about Airbnb's relationship with hosts and guests✅ Broader implications for OTAs, regulation, and tech trends in the STR spaceThis is a must-listen for property managers looking to stay ahead of the curve and understand how policy shifts at the top can reshape daily operations on the ground.Connect with Dennis:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dschaal/✨ Exclusive Offer to Alex & Annie Listeners:Get a free market assessment from Track with 3 to 5 actionable insights tailored to your business. (valued at $400)You will meet one-on-one with an expert to help evaluate your market, identify opportunities, and build a strategy to help you stand out.

What if the career you'd worked decades to build was the very thing holding you back from the life you actually wanted? In this episode, I sit down with Kerri Gibson, a former CPA who built a thriving hospitality empire in Quebec. After 22 years in tax and accounting software, Kerri's breaking point became her breakthrough when a simple house flip spiraled into seven renovated ski chalets—and eventually a full-scale motel transformation. Kerri opens up about the toll of burnout and the moments she missed with family because work always came first. She shares how she and partner Philip navigated the tricky shift from colleagues to business partners to spouses working side by side, and how a few uncomfortable conversations ultimately strengthened both their relationship and their business. Most impressively, Kerri has achieved what many hospitality owners dream of: 70% direct bookings through her own website—without relying on OTAs. She walks us through the exact strategies she built from the ground up, plus how she infused their signature “hygge” concept into a roadside motel, transforming it into a place where guests connect and create lasting memories. Packed with real-world advice and hard-earned wisdom, this episode is a must-listen for anyone feeling stuck—whether you're plotting your escape from corporate life or striving to build a hospitality business that truly reflects your values. HIGHLIGHTS AND KEY POINTS: [01:16] A short introduction about our guest Kerri Gibson and how she got into the world of short-term rentals [03:27] Kerri shares her journey from from CPA to tech leader in tax and accounting software [06:28] Kerri's breaking point that pushed her to leave the corporate world [13:20] Kerri reveals her two-question strategy for making big decisions without a support system [21:06] Kerri recounts her journey from renovating distressed chalets to revitalizing a roadside motel  [25:39]  Kerri outlines her vision to reinvent the roadside motel experience through Scandinavian-inspired design and communal spaces [30:17] The challenges and growth that come from defining roles when running a business with a spouse [38:04] How Kerri shifted from relying entirely on OTAs to achieving 70% direct bookings [45:15] The power of starting early with a strategy and evolving it over time [48:08] Kerri talks about her self-taught marketing journey and how she strategically brought in outside expertise [52:39] The lightning round  Golden Nuggets: • “Find coziness, comfort and the simplicity of the small moments of life surrounded by those that you love the most.” • “I had to learn to find space for him to be a part of the business and flourish. And as we've defined, find our swim lanes, which is super important. It's allowed us to find, like these great things that go in sync together. You know, the Ying and the Yang.” • “Never, ever, ever build your house on someone else's land, no matter how small you are.” • “You have to create the strategy, then go implement the strategy. But without that strategy-first approach, it's just like throwing spaghetti at the wall and hoping that something works.” • “There's nothing you can't do, or nothing you can't be, there's only what you're willing to work for.” This episode is brought to you by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Lodgify⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠!

This week on Thanks for Visiting, we're diving deep into a topic no host wants to deal with—but every host needs to understand: chargebacks.Whether you've faced one before or you're hearing the term for the first time, this episode will equip you with the knowledge to protect your business from costly disputes. We're breaking down what a chargeback is, why it happens, and the difference between when an OTA is the merchant of record and when you are.We'll share:Real-world scenarios where chargebacks occur (including Sarah's firsthand story)9 practical prevention strategies to deter fraud and false disputesHow to set up guest agreements, SOPs, and red-flag awarenessThe reality of winning a chargeback—and why you should always tryWhy this shouldn't stop you from diversifying your booking platformsFrom spotting last-minute fraud attempts to resolving guest conflicts before they escalate, this episode is your playbook for keeping more of your hard-earned revenue where it belongs—in your pocket.Resources Mentioned in this Episode:Stripe – Payment processor used for direct bookings and OTAs like Vrbo and Furnished Finder.Furnished Finder – A popular platform for finding mid-term tenants.Mentioned in this episode:Minoan | Visit MinoanExperience.com and tell them TFV sent you!Booked & Profitable Boot Camp | Get on the waitlist now at thanksforvisiting.com/waitlistBooked & Profitable Boot Camp | Get on the waitlist now at thanksforvisiting.com/waitlistBooked & Profitable Boot Camp | Get on the waitlist now at thanksforvisiting.com/waitlist