Thomas

🏠 Booking's report praises small and medium-sized tourism enterprises in Europe, representing 99.8% of the sector and nearly 10% of the continent's annual wealth. In partnership with Statista, Booking emphasizes the importance of these businesses, highlighting challenges like avoiding American hotel chain models where chains assert independence from OTAs. A 2021 European Commission survey found 80% of independent hotels saw an increase in bookings after joining OTAs. Booking argues customer reviews now carry more weight than traditional hotel ratings. Rural accommodation benefits from OTA visibility, with Oxford Economics data from 2019 showing platform sales in rural areas more than double the market's 16%. As of 2023, Hotrec data indicates 55% of bookings were made directly with hotels, with OTAs accounting for only 29.1% of total bookings. The report, citing a 2024 Statista study, states 74% of European tourism business leaders find online travel platforms increase profitability. Contrarily, the "chainification" trend is less prevalent in Europe, with Booking noting the importance of local recognition. An industry conference by elloha on January 8, 2025, revealed a positive outlook for 2025, with 55% expecting a good year. The report also addresses political aspects, suggesting small businesses look to government policies for stability amid economic uncertainties.

🏠 Hundreds of videos on YouTube and TikTok advise on how to earn money on Airbnb without owning any property by becoming "co-hosts." The trend is anticipated to gain significant attention in 2025. Co-hosting rules on Airbnb are strict, but videos suggest ways to circumvent them, hinting that a growing number of owners on social networks like Facebook are open to such agreements. The phenomenon is so prevalent in the US that it is expected to spread to Europe by summer. Successful co-hosts on Airbnb can manage an average of 7 properties, with Airbnb's platform receiving tens of thousands of requests on its launch day for co-hosting services. Co-host managed rentals typically receive higher ratings (4.86) than professional conciergeries (4.62), with Vacasa losing over 3,000 management contracts out of 42,000. Co-hosts can charge either commissions or flat rates, with Airbnb setting strict eligibility requirements, including at least 10 completed stays or 3 stays totaling 100 nights and maintaining a 4.8-star rating over the last 12 months.