STR Daily

In today’s episode, we explore how airlines like JetBlue and Etihad are turning loyalty programs into competitive travel challenges, raising both excitement and sustainability concerns. Plus, we look at how hospitality tech is failing staff with poor accessibility and why inclusive design is no longer optional but essential for operational success. Are you new and want to start your own hospitalit...

AI hype is everywhere, but travel investors are urging startups to focus on real solutions, not just buzzwords. Plus, hotel tech startup Chatlyn raises €8M to streamline guest communication with AI. Find out how AI is reshaping both investment strategies and hotel operations. Are you new and want to start your own hospitality business? Join our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠...

Hotels fight back against rogue OTAs slashing their rates, while Agoda keeps it simple—price is their best loyalty program. Tune in for insights on pricing control, OTA challenges, and how AI is helping platforms stay competitive. Are you new and want to start your own hospitality business? Join our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠...

From India’s booming $38 billion travel market to the growing chaos of hotel rate control, this episode dives deep into two fast-evolving trends. First, we look at the surging demand for domestic tourism in India—fuelled by government initiatives, social media, and global hotel investment. Then we shift to the messy underbelly of hotel distribution, where smaller OTAs are undercutting official rat...

In this episode of the STR Daily Podcast, we explore two major forces reshaping the travel and hospitality industry in 2025. First, we break down Airbnb’s bold pivot from community-driven platform to political heavyweight—using lobbying, economic reports, and media strategy to battle STR regulations across Europe and the U.S. Then, we turn to the rising wave of cybersecurity threats targeting hote...

As record-breaking crowds hit the road for July 4th, cities across Europe are pushing back against overtourism. In this episode, we dive into how destinations are rethinking visitor strategy—and what rising travel volumes mean for the industry’s future. Are you new and want to start your own hospitality business? Join our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠...

Bhutan embraces crypto to power rural tourism, while hotels wrestle with data overload in the quest for more direct bookings. This episode unpacks how innovation and integration—or lack thereof—are reshaping global travel in 2025. Are you new and want to start your own hospitality business? Join our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Fa...

In this episode, we explore where travel loyalty programs are falling short and how brands can fix them. Loyalty Status Co.'s Mark Ross-Smith and MeProtocol’s Robert Wesley argue it’s time to shift focus from points to status and personalization—driving higher revenue, deeper engagement, and long-term brand loyalty in a fast-changing landscape. Are you new and want to start your own hospitalit...

Sabre Hospitality upgrades its booking engine with next-gen AI to streamline hotel ops. Meanwhile, Louisville proves that sustainability isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a citywide mission. From guest satisfaction to community impact, we cover what’s shaping the future of travel. Are you new and want to start your own hospitality business? Join our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠...

In this episode of the STR Daily Podcast, we unpack Airbnb’s $5 million political gamble in New York City—why they’re backing a SuperPAC, who’s in the crosshairs, and what this means for STR managers globally. Then we pivot to aviation: with a string of recent crashes making headlines, are travelers right to be worried? We cut through the fear with expert insights on airline safety in 2025 and wha...

Airbnb says it powered $90 billion in economic activity last year, but what does that really mean for STR managers, local economies, and the future of hospitality? In this episode, we break down the key findings from Airbnb’s latest study and spotlight a new panel from Phocuswright Europe revealing how brands like Hyatt, Booking.com, and Amadeus are redefining ‘experiences’ to build loyalty and le...

In this episode of the STR Daily Podcast, we explore two emerging forces reshaping short-term rentals: the rise of intelligent automation and the growing impact of climate-driven travel patterns. From Speakspots’ new white-label AI concierge built for rural hotels to Hostaway’s take on why extreme weather is pushing up rental demand and prices, we dive into the innovations and risks defining the n...

In today’s episode, we explore two major updates reshaping short-term rental operations. First, we break down the hybrid length-of-stay pricing model that’s redefining how property managers maximise revenue while keeping guests happy. Then we head to Italy, where a landmark court ruling has reinstated the legality of remote check-ins—sending a powerful signal to STR operators worldwide about tech,...

In today’s episode, we dive into Apple’s latest travel-focused updates—including digital passports, live call translation, and smarter boarding passes—and what they mean for the mobile-first traveller. Then, we zoom out to explore which venture firms are backing the next generation of travel tech startups and why AI, personalization, and operational innovation are drawing the smartest money in the...

This episode explores two major shifts in travel: the rise of empowered solo women travelers over 50 and the lagging reality of NDC’s personalized booking promise. From the challenges of outdated assumptions and pricing models to the opportunity for deeper connection and smarter distribution, we break down where the industry is falling short—and how it can catch up. Are you new and want to start y...

This episode dives into the mounting host frustration over Airbnb’s new ‘Services’ feature, with critics accusing the platform of extracting value without fair compensation. Then we shift to the corporate travel world, where legacy booking tools are losing favor fast. From short-term rentals to enterprise travel, the message is clear: platforms must evolve—or risk losing trust and relevance. Are y...

In this episode, we explore Agoda’s new AI-powered vacation planner built for Indian travelers, blending Google’s Gemini and Imagen tech with Bollywood flair. Then we head to Cancun for the IRF Invitational, where industry leaders share how AI, Gen Z, and geopolitical uncertainty are reshaping incentive travel—while reminding us that real impact still starts with human connection. Are you new and...

In this episode, we unpack IATA’s sharp criticism of Europe’s sustainable aviation policies and the growing rift between airlines, regulators, and fuel suppliers. Then we dive into the $4.5 billion marketing blitz led by OTAs in Q1 2025, exploring how platforms like Expedia and Airbnb are using AI, social media, and global expansion to stay competitive in the evolving travel landscape. Are you new...

In this episode, we explore the U.K.’s booming mobile travel market and how digital innovation is reshaping infrastructure and booking behavior. Then we turn to the Caribbean, where MSC Cruises’ Ocean Cay is setting a new standard for sustainability—blending coral restoration, conservation education, and guest experience into one powerful model for responsible travel. Are you new and want to start...

This episode explores how forward-thinking event planners are prioritizing attendee energy and wellness to boost engagement—from breathwork to mindful breaks. Plus, we dive into the shifting state of hotel loyalty programs, where AI-driven personalization and real-time rewards are replacing outdated points systems. It’s all about deeper connections, not just longer commitments. Are you new and wan...

In this episode, we break down ICCA’s 2024 rankings to reveal the cities and countries dominating global association meetings—and where the data might be missing the bigger picture. Then, we zoom out to the broader debate on AI in travel planning, exploring why the real disruption may come not from OTAs or agentic assistants, but from platforms that turn social inspiration into smart, bookable iti...

This episode explores the Philippines’ strategic visa-free entry for Indian tourists—aimed at revitalizing tourism and tapping into one of Asia’s fastest-growing outbound markets. Plus, we dive into how generative AI is rewriting the rules of travel distribution, from personalized search to agentic booking. A must-listen for operators, marketers, and anyone navigating the future of global tourism....

In this episode spotlights how event strategist Ginger Taylor uses AI like ChatGPT to streamline planning and boost creativity—proving you don’t need to be an expert to work smarter. Plus, we dive into tripPromoter, a startup turning travel creators into booking powerhouses by transforming Reels and TikToks into sellable itineraries. A must-listen for planners, marketers, and travel innovators ali...

In this episode, we dive into expert strategies from PriceLabs to help short-term rental hosts maximise revenue this summer—from tracking local events to adjusting for bad weather. Then we explore the growing debate in corporate travel: should companies reward top performers with personalised solo getaways or stick with high-impact group trips? We unpack the pros, cons, and what the data says abou...

In this episode, we explore Canada’s hospitality surge with six standout hotel projects that blend sustainability, culture, and modern luxury. Plus, we unpack Booking.com’s controversial move to cut direct partnerships with travel creators—signaling a major shift in how OTAs approach content, influence, and platform control in the age of AI. Are you new and want to start your own hospitality busin...