Posted on - January 30th 2026
This week’s short-term rentals and hospitality headlines spotlight major market shifts across Europe and Asia, significant consolidation in the property management space, and a brewing legal battle over licensing in Turkey.
With the Super Bowl approaching, AirDNA data highlights a massive surge in demand for short-term rentals in host cities. For property managers, this remains one of the most significant single-event revenue drivers of the year, often seeing occupancy rates nearly double and daily rates skyrocketing. The data underscores the importance of dynamic pricing strategies that can capture these hyper-seasonal peaks while balancing the risk of oversupply as new hosts enter the market specifically for the event.
Consolidation in the European property management sector continues as GuestReady announces the acquisition of Spanish-based Lightbooking. This move significantly strengthens GuestReady’s presence in the Canary Islands and mainland Spain, signaling a strategic focus on high-yield leisure markets. The acquisition highlights a broader trend of “scale through acquisition” as larger platforms look to absorb local expertise and inventory to navigate increasingly complex regional regulations.
In a move that could reshape the Eastern Mediterranean market, the Association of Turkish Travel Agencies (TÜRSAB) has filed a lawsuit seeking to block access to platforms like Airbnb and Expedia. The association alleges unfair competition and a lack of compliance with local tourism laws. This legal challenge represents a significant escalation in the tension between traditional travel agencies and digital booking platforms, posing a potential threat to the supply of short-term rentals in one of the world’s fastest-growing tourism hubs.
Despite the return of easy international travel, Sykes Holiday Cottages forecasts that 2026 will be a bumper year for the UK domestic market. Driven by a desire for cost-effective travel and the rising popularity of “multi-generational” family trips, staycations remain a pillar of the UK industry. For operators, the focus is shifting toward premium, high-amenity properties that offer a “home-away-from-home” experience that hotels struggle to replicate.
As the EU ramps up its “Green Claims” and “Empowering Consumers” directives, Travalyst, the coalition led by Prince Harry is standardising how accommodation certifications are displayed. By aligning with the EU Green Transition, the initiative aims to eliminate “greenwashing” and provide guests with credible, verified sustainability data. This is a critical development for STR operators who must now ensure their eco-credentials meet rigorous new transparency standards.
Prominent figures in the UK property sector are calling for a fundamental shift in how housing is governed, suggesting that “property experts” rather than politicians should lead national policy. The argument is that short-term political cycles often lead to knee-jerk regulations, such as sudden tax changes or restrictive licensing that destabilise the rental market. For the STR industry, a move toward expert-led, long-term planning could offer a more predictable and fair regulatory environment.
While traditional rental markets face tightening regulations and property curbs, the co-living sector is emerging as a winner in major urban hubs like Singapore. By offering flexible, community-driven housing solutions, co-living operators are navigating high interest rates and supply constraints more effectively than traditional landlords. This resilience suggests that the “flexible living” model is becoming a permanent fixture of urban real estate investment.
New data from AirDNA confirms that Greece remains a powerhouse for short-term rentals, with the market showing remarkable stability through 2025. With an average daily rate (ADR) of €139, the Greek market is outperforming many of its Mediterranean neighbors. This growth is being fueled by a shift toward luxury villas and high-end island stays, proving that demand for the “Greek Summer” remains price-inelastic despite global economic pressures.
The Apprentice 2026 features STR software pitch The short-term rental sector has hit the mainstream as the 20th series of The Apprentice kicks off. Candidate Andrea Cooper, owner of a Barnsley-based letting agency, is competing for Lord Sugar’s £250,000 investment specifically to build a new tech platform designed to simplify short-term accommodation management. It’s a significant moment of validation for the sector’s tech needs, putting “proptech for STRs” in front of a prime-time audience.
Have a story the industry should be paying attention to? If you’re tracking regulation changes, market movements, destination trends or major developments in short-term rentals, serviced accommodation or hospitality, send your news to the SCALE Wire and feature in an upcoming roundup.
