Host Planet: Airbnb, Holiday Let, and Vacation Rental Insights

Epizódok

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  The Biggest Social Media Mistakes Airbnb Hosts Make 24.09.2026 21p

  Struggling to turn followers into bookings? Vanessa Aguirre shares the social media strategy independent hosts need for 2026.In this episode of The Independent Host – a series from Host Planet and Lodgify – Vanessa breaks down knowing your target audience, updating a themed rental, which platforms to bother with in 2026, and how to win when we're all at the mercy of the algorithms.You'll learn how often to post, whether you should show your face, why behind-the-scenes content works, how to turn a follower into a booking, and the biggest mistake hosts make when posting about their properties. Plus Vanessa on staging photos for your listing, getting guests to post about your place, staying consistent, the content which actually drives bookings, and looking at the analytics.As always, we focus on practical ideas – including AI – to help you build a smarter, more successful, and more sustainable hosting business.Learn how Lodgify helps Vanessa's business and use code HOSTPLANET60 to get 60% off: https://www.lodgify.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=creator-collab&utm_campaign=host-planetTimestamps:1:12 Vanessa's journey in short-term rentals1:45 Knowing your target audience2:42 Updating a themed rental (it's not set and forget)3:25 The platforms hosts should bother with in 20264:24 We're at the mercy of the algorithms5:54 The platforms Vanessa uses to create content7:14 How often should you post?7:53 Should you show your face?9:25 Take your audience behind the scenes10:18 Use code HOSTPLANET20 to get 20% off Lodgify: https://www.lodgify.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=creator-collab&utm_campaign=host-planet11:06 How Lodgify helps Vanessa's business11:47 How to turn a follower into a booking12:55 Encourage guests to post about your place13:17 The biggest mistake hosts make when posting about their properties14:22 Stage some photos for your listing15:58 Be consistent with your social media posting17:25 The content which drives bookings20:07 Look at the analytics- Vanessa's hosting business: www.stayfemmehouse.com- Tiktok - @Vanessaeaguirre- Tiktok - @femmehouseAZ- Instagram - @FemmehouseAZFollow Host Planet for more holiday let revenue tips, Airbnb growth hacks, and short-term rental automation.#VacationRentalMarketing #AirbnbTips #TheIndependentHost
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  From 1 Host to 100s of Doors: Scaling Vacation Rental Turnovers 21.09.2026 24p

  How do you design cleaning operations software that hosts and cleaners actually use when they're not at a desk?Gabi Celemin from Turno joins Turnover Tactics to share how customer support informs product development, what customers asked for versus what was actually built, and how to design for everyone from new hosts to managers with hundreds of doors. Plus: product localisation and the impact of AI on Turno and the future of turnovers.Turnover Tactics is powered by Host Planet and Turno – helping you build a smarter, more sustainable hosting business.In this episode:2:12 The Turno user experience4:15 Customer support informs product development5:55 Designing a solution for people who are not at a desk9:05 How to help hosts and cleaners11:55 Surprising elements which have changed the product13:50 What customers asked for versus what was built16:24 Product localisation18:53 Trying to please new hosts and people managing hundreds of doors20:43 The impact of AI on TurnoConnect with Gabi Celemin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gabrielcelemin/Contact: [email protected] by Turno: https://turno.com/?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=host_planet#ShortTermRentals #AirbnbCleaning #VacationRental #PropertyManagement #HostPlanet #TurnoverTactics #AI
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  Wales 182-Day Rule Explained: What Every Holiday Let Owner Must Do Now 17.09.2026 23p

  Wales' 182-day rule is pushing self-catering owners to the brink – and there's a narrow window to change it. Almost a third of holiday letting businesses in Wales have already collapsed under 'hideous' council tax bills, and 26% are running at a loss. But there may finally be light at the end of the tunnel.In this episode of the Host Planet Podcast – powered by Lodgify – James Varley sits down with Nicky Williamson of PASC UK to unpack the 182-day threshold for self-catering properties in Wales: why it's crippling businesses, why the Welsh Government has launched a 12-week consultation, what the right level should be, and how proposed exemptions could create big winners and big losers.If you operate in Wales, this is your chance to be heard. We cover exactly what owners need to do – and how to respond to the consultation before it closes.👉 If you found this useful, subscribe for weekly short-term rental insight, and share it with a host who needs to see it.The Host Planet Podcast helps short-term rental hosts and property managers build smarter, more successful and more sustainable businesses — covering regulation, revenue, AI, guest experience, direct bookings and more. Sponsored by Lodgify: use code HOSTPLANET20 for 20% off.⏱️ TIMESTAMPS1:09 Get 20% off Lodgify with code HOSTPLANET201:59 The 182-day limit in Wales3:14 Welsh hosts stung with 'hideous' council tax bills4:40 30% of holiday letting businesses have collapsed5:48 26% of STR businesses in Wales running at a loss7:42 The Welsh Government's 12-week consultation on 1829:13 What is the right level?10:31 England's number – and what Wales should reduce to13:01 Averaging nights over several years, and charity nights14:50 Exemptions: big winners and big losers16:22 What Welsh owners need to do – contribute to the consultation18:24 The potential outcome of the consultation🔗 LINKS & RESOURCESNicky Williamson: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolawilliamson/PASC UK: https://www.pascuk.co.uk/PASC UK 182 campaign: https://www.pascuk.co.uk/182-2/Respond to the consultation – 'Classification of self-catering properties for local tax purposes': https://www.gov.wales/classification-self-catering-properties-local-tax-purposes#shorttermrental #vacationrental #airbnbuk #selfcatering #wales #holidaylet #pascuk #hostplanet #lodgify #airbnbhost
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  Why Guests Don't Book Direct (And How to Fix It) | Jonas Baum, Smoobu 16.09.2026 30p

  Why don't guests book direct – and how do you fix it?In this episode of Built to Book, Jonas Baum, Head of CX at Smoobu, breaks down how to build a direct booking website that converts. Learn the trust signals, AI workflows, and booking flow fixes to help you build a smarter, more successful, and more sustainable short-term rental business.If you're getting traffic but no bookings, this is your 30-day plan to turn Airbnb and Booking.com guests into repeat direct bookers – with offers the OTAs can't match, better photography, stronger brand, and a frictionless checkout.Special offer: Get 20% off Smoobu with the code HOSTPLANET20: https://www.smoobu.com/en/hostplanet/?utm_source=hostplanet&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=podcast_3In this episode we cover:- What goes wrong when a guest doesn't book direct- Why brand matters whether you have one property or hundreds- Core trust signals every direct booking website  needs- How to utilise AI to build your brand and content faster- Where booking flows lose people – and how to fix drop-off- What to offer direct that Airbnb can't match- How to convert an OTA booker to a direct booker next time- Photography, about pages, add-ons and the traffic-but-no-bookings fix- Simple 30-day plan for more direct bookings Timestamps:1:34 When a guest doesn't book, what's gone wrong?5:12 Brand means the same whether you have one property or hundreds8:54 The core trust signals on a direct booking website10:42 Get 20% off Smoobu with the code HOSTPLANET20: https://www.smoobu.com/en/hostplanet/?utm_source=hostplanet&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=podcast_311:36 How to utilise AI to build your brand14:38 Where booking flows lose people16:58 What to offer on your direct booking website (that the OTAs like Airbnb and Booking.com can't match)19:59 Turn an OTA booker into a direct booker next time22:23 What a website that's quietly killing bookings looks like24:02 The importance of photography25:46 The fix that flips the switch for hosts getting traffic but no bookings27:12 A good add-on is a strong about page28:31 The simple 30-day plan to achieve more direct bookingsBuilt to Book from Host Planet and Smoobu helps hosts drive more direct bookings with practical tips on websites, brand, marketing and automation.#HostPlanetPodcast #BuiltToBook #DirectBookings
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  Is Your Holiday Let Winter Ready? Expert Tips to Avoid 1-Star Reviews 14.09.2026 21p

  Is your holiday let truly winter ready..? Because a cold property is a 1-star review waiting to happen.In this episode of Holiday Let Insider, from Host Planet and Sykes Holiday Cottages, Rachel Brennan shares exactly how smart hosts protect their property, price correctly, and deliver a 5-star guest experience when temperatures drop – helping you build a smarter, more successful and more sustainable business.This series shares practical insights for holiday let owners and managers, including how AI and automation can support winter pricing, guest communications, and property operations.Rachel breaks down the biggest winter pricing mistake owners make, how to adjust your listing and marketing to attract winter guests, and the simple touches that create a warm arrival and keep guests happy when it's raining outside.In this episode you'll learn:- The #1 winter pricing mistake that leaves your calendar empty- How to adapt your listing and marketing for winter demand- How to protect your property before the temperature drops- How to keep guests entertained on rainy days- How to deliver a warm arrival that drives 5-star reviewsTimestamps:1:46 It’s time to get winter ready3:29 The biggest pricing mistake owners make in winter6:53 Adjust your listing and marketing to reach winter guests10:01 Protect your property before the temperature drops11:51 Work with Sykes Holiday Cottages: https://www.sykescottages.co.uk/letyourcottage/12:32 A cold rental is a 1-star review waiting to happen14:56 How to keep guests entertained at the property when it’s raining outside17:35 How to give your guests a warm arrival19:52 The biggest impact for hosts in winterGuest: Rachel Brennan, Sykes Holiday Cottages: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachel-brennan-26098118a/Want to work with Sykes Holiday Cottages? Learn more about letting with Sykes and getting year-round support to maximise your occupancy and revenue: https://www.sykescottages.co.uk/letyourcottage/Join STR professionals in 100+ countries by subscribing to the Host Planet Newsletter: https://www.hostplanet.club/#HolidayLet #SykesHolidayCottages #HostPlanet #HolidayLetInsider #ShortTermRental
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  Bath Roadshow Preview: Luxury Short-Term Rentals, Fire Rules & Escobar Plane Airbnb 10.09.2026 35p

  Luxury hosting is getting harder – fire regulations, guest expectations, and running a UK business from abroad. Here's how top operators stay ahead.In this episode of the Host Planet Podcast, sponsored by Lodgify, James Cornwell joins us ahead of the Host Planet Roadshow in Bath, where his business, Curated Property, is Event Partner. We talk bringing the STR community together, collaborating with competitors, and managing in the luxury space.Plus: speaker Johnny Palmer on turning a plane linked to Pablo Escobar into an Airbnb – and James answers: was it really Escobar's plane?Get 20% off Lodgify with code HOSTPLANET20: https://www.lodgify.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=creator-collab&utm_campaign=host-planetTimestamps:0:58 Get 20% off Lodgify with code HOSTPLANET20: https://www.lodgify.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=creator-collab&utm_campaign=host-planet1:42 Bringing the STR community together in Bath2:40 The value of attending industry events5:01 Collaborating with competitors6:28 Discover more about Johnny Palmer's Escobar plane9:50 The story of Curated Property13:51 Biggest challenges in 2026: fire risk regulations18:25 Managing a UK business from Portugal23:40 Challenges of managing in the luxury space26:16 Customer service and the human touch33:10 Was Johnny Palmer's plane really owned by Pablo Escobar?Connect with James Cornwell / Curated Property:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamescornwell/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/curatedpropertycompany/Get your ticket (just £40 each) for Host Planet Roadshow Bath: https://www.hostplanet.club/hp-roadshow-bath#HostPlanet #SmarterHosting #ShortTermRentals
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  Mid Term Rentals: The Perfect Storm Every Host Should Cash In On | Build for Growth 08.09.2026 27p

  Mid-term rentals are having a moment — a perfect storm of supply shifts, rising nightly-rate competition, and a flood of 30–90 day demand.In this Build for Growth episode, Host Planet sits down with Frank Bosi from Hostfully to break down the mathematics of mid-term stays: how to price them, how to rework your listing to attract longer bookings, and which distribution channels actually deliver them.You'll learn the specific changes to make to your listing, why a digital guidebook becomes a serious conversion tool for mid-term guests, and what most hosts underestimate about protecting themselves on longer stays.⏱️ Timestamps1:46 Free PMS onboarding + 30% off digital guidebooks for life with Hostfully2:42 The growth of mid-term rentals — a perfect storm6:39 The mathematics of running mid-term rentals9:40 What needs to change in your listing to attract mid-term stays11:30 Why a digital guidebook helps immensely13:20 How to price mid-term rentals15:39 Distribution channels to achieve mid-term stays19:53 What hosts underestimate about mid-term stays — and how to protect yourself22:08 How to start attracting mid-term stays25:33 Get in touch with Frank🔗 Connect & Resources🎁 Hostfully is offering Build for Growth listeners FREE PMS onboarding + 30% off digital guidebooks for life. Find out more: https://www.hostfully.com/host_planet📧 Email Frank: [email protected]📅 Book a Hostfully demo with Frank: https://cal.mixmax.com/frankbosi/demo?re=IiY1x2YuQXZuFGbwR3cvhGQzVWbhpmI&rn=ISelxmchZFIzVWbhpkI&messageId=UjWJnyJQ1a9zxhP2C#MidTermRentals #BuildForGrowth #Hostfully #AirbnbHost #VacationRental
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  From Information to Action: Will You Trust Agentic AI to Run Your Rentals? 07.09.2026 25p

  Is agentic AI about to take real work off your plate – not just give you more information?In this episode of AI-Powered Hosting, from Host Planet and BOOM, Moran Goldboim unpacks where the short-term rental industry really is with AI, why trust and lack of experience are the biggest blockers, and the next leap: from information to action.Learn what day-to-day tasks AI can already handle, how to think about architecture over features, why connected data is a game-changer, and how property management companies will be structured and run differently as AI models get more reliable.This series helps you build a smarter, more successful and more sustainable short-term rental business — with AI as a practical tool, not hype.IN THIS EPISODE:• Where the STR industry is with AI right now – and why experience matters more than trust• From information to action: what agentic AI actually means for property managers• The day-to-day tasks AI will take off your plate• Why architecture beats features when building with AI• How connected data unlocks real automation• How the property manager UX will shift substantially• Why AI models need a way out to eliminate hallucinations• How far are we from fully trusting AI? And how org structure will changeTIMESTAMPS:01:20 Where the STR industry is with AI right now03:10 Trust is a big thing in AI – but lack of experience is the core challenge04:35 The next leap: from information to action06:03 What day-to-day things will AI take off a property manager's plate08:54 How to understand agentic AI10:52 Start with architecture over features12:54 Connected data is a game-changer14:10 The user experience for property managers will shift substantially16:30 AI models need a way out to eliminate hallucinations19:45 How far away are we from people completely trusting AI?22:02 How AI will change the way property management companies are structured and run🔗 Explore BOOM: https://www.boomnow.com/?utm_source=HostPlanet&utm_medium=Sponsor&utm_campaign=2026📬 Connect with Moran on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shahar-goldboim-80820b95/AI-Powered Hosting is a six-part series from Host Planet and BOOM exploring how artificial intelligence is transforming the short-term rental industry – from automation to full agentic execution. Quote 'Host Planet' to get 50% off PMS onboarding with Boom: https://www.boomnow.com/?utm_source=HostPlanet&utm_medium=Sponsor&utm_campaign=2026#AgenticAI #PropertyManagement #ShortTermRental #VacationRental #PropTech #AIAutomation #Airbnb #HostPlanet #BOOM #AIPoweredHosting
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  How to Make VRMA International Work for You: Anne Gardner's Playbook 03.09.2026 21p

  Planning to attend a major short-term rental conference this year – but not sure how to actually get value out of it?In this episode of the Host Planet Podcast – powered by Lodgify – Anne Gardner, Executive Director of the VRMA, breaks down everything you need to know about VRMA International 2026, heading to Nashville from 4-6 October.Host Planet is proud to be a Media Partner for this year's event.In this conversation we cover:- How to leverage an event this size – whether you manage one rental or thousands- Making the most of the side events and where the real connections happen- Why industry growth is driving international visitors to major events- What's new at VRMA International in 2026 and what attendees walk away with- How VRMA advocacy is supporting the short-term rental industryChapters:1:06 Get 20% off Lodgify: https://www.lodgify.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=creator-collab&utm_campaign=host-planet1:47 VRMA International is heading to Nashville (4-6 October)2:59 How to leverage such a huge event4:48 Make the most of the side events6:16 Industry growth is driving international visitors7:39 Why Nashville is a natural fit8:59 How VRMA International has grown – and what's new in 202610:06 Suitable whether you manage one rental or thousands11:37 How VRMA advocacy supports the industry13:42 Promoting the positive impact of short-term rentals14:37 What attendees will walk away with15:47 STR competitors often work together17:02 Where the most valuable connections happen17:59 Why these events matter19:20 VRMA International tickets: https://www.vrma.org/annual-conferenceThe Host Planet Podcast is sponsored by Lodgify. Get 20% off here: https://www.lodgify.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=creator-collab&utm_campaign=host-planetLinks:VRMA 2026 tickets: https://www.vrma.org/annual-conferenceAnne Gardner on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anne-gardner-mba-cae/Anne Gardner email: [email protected] Planet Roadshow: https://www.hostplanet.club/host-planet-roadshowBath tickets (event on 7 October): https://www.hostplanet.club/hp-roadshow-bath#VRMA #VacationRentalManagement #ShortTermRental #VacationRentals #Airbnb #PropertyManagement #Nashville
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  The Biggest Mistakes New Airbnb Hosts Make (And How To Avoid Them) 27.08.2026 28p

  New Airbnb host? Katie Bessant from The Holiday Hive shares the most common mistakes new hosts make – and exactly how to fix them before they cost you bookings, reviews, and ranking.In this episode of The Independent Host, powered by Lodgify, Katie breaks down where most new hosts go wrong across pricing, photos, house rules, and cleaning – plus the quiet mistake that could be hurting your Airbnb ranking and what people keep getting wrong about the algorithm.The Independent Host is sponsored by Lodgify. Use code HOSTPLANET60 to get 60% off Lodgify. Offer valid until 31 August 2026: https://www.lodgify.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=creator-collab&utm_campaign=host-planet⏱️ Timestamps:1:12 Katie's journey in the world of short-term rentals3:44 The most common mistakes new hosts make7:02 How not to price your rental12:27 The importance of photography14:28 Check out Lodgify: https://www.lodgify.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=creator-collab&utm_campaign=host-planet15:11 How Lodgify has helped Katie's hosting journey16:40 What hosts get wrong when creating house rules17:50 A mistake which might be quietly killing your ranking19:40 What people get wrong about the Airbnb algorithm21:26 What to do during a crisis 25:03 Is the damage reversible?26:31 The importance of getting cleaning right27:43 Get in touch with Katie🔗 Connect with Katie:The Holiday Hive website: https://theholidayhive.com/The Holiday Hive Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theholidayhive/?kuid=ca9c0158-8acf-43b0-afa1-edb9b676331a-1787338585&kref=https%3A%2F%2Ftheholidayhive.com%2FSubscribe to Host Planet for practical advice on building a smarter, more successful and sustainable short-term rental business. Join thousands of hosts and property managers across the globe by subscribing to our free weekly newsletter: https://www.hostplanet.club/
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  How to Get Direct Bookings for Your Vacation Rental 25.08.2026 29p

  Direct bookings are the highest-margin channel most hosts still ignore – no OTA commission, full control of the guest relationship, and a booking engine you actually own.In this episode of Build for Growth, we sit down with Roger Gould, Director of Business Development at Hostfully, to break down exactly how to start, scale, and win with direct bookings.IN THIS EPISODE:▶ Why direct bookings matter (and what they're worth to your bottom line)▶ Where to start: building a direct booking website you control▶ How to turn lookers into bookers▶ How to gather guest data you actually own▶ Using a Hostfully digital guidebook to boost conversions▶ Guest verification and insurance for direct bookings▶ Payment processing that protects you▶ Getting your direct booking rates right▶ The complete direct booking strategy, step by stepCHAPTERS:1:50 Get free PMS onboarding and 30% off digital guidebooks for life with Hostfully: https://www.hostfully.com/host_planet2:54 Why direct bookings matter4:16 Where to start: You need a direct booking website5:28 Don't be intimidated by technology7:03 How to turn lookers into bookers10:25 How to gather guest data12:08 How to utilise a Hostfully digital guidebook effectively18:22 The digital guidebooks are mobile-friendly19:46 Guest verification and insurance for direct bookings20:54 Payment processing for direct bookings22:16 Getting the rates right on your direct booking website24:21 The direct booking strategy28:11 Get in touch with Roger: [email protected]🎁 Hostfully is offering Build for Growth listeners FREE PMS onboarding + 30% off digital guidebooks for life. Find out more: https://www.hostfully.com/host_planet📧 Email: [email protected]📅 Book a Hostfully demo with Frank Bosi: https://cal.mixmax.com/frankbosi/demo?re=IiY1x2YuQXZuFGbwR3cvhGQzVWbhpmI&rn=ISelxmchZFIzVWbhpkI&messageId=UjWJnyJQ1a9zxhP2CThis episode is part of the Build for Growth series from Host Planet, in partnership with Hostfully.#DirectBookings #VacationRental #AirbnbHost #ShortTermRental #Hostfully #BuildForGrowth
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  How to Frame Revenue at Risk to Management 24.08.2026 38p

  Revenue managers don't lose the room because their data is wrong – they lose it because they can't explain it.Dr Zak Ali (President, ISTRM) joins STR Pricing Pulse to walk through Beyond's Revenue Meeting Guide: lead with the answer, back it up with the numbers, and end with a decision senior management can act on.Download Beyond's Revenue Meeting Guide: https://go.beyondpricing.com/revenue-meeting-guide-3q26In this episode:- Why "growth feels like success" can be dangerously misleading- How to frame revenue at risk without losing the room- Why good automation (and AI) should increase your control – not reduce it- The most common mistake revenue managers make in the roomSTR Pricing Pulse is brought to you by Host Planet and Beyond. Discover more about Beyond's world-leading revenue management software for short-term rentals: https://beyondpricing.info/launchbase⏱️ Chapters0:00 Episode starts1:53 The importance of communicating with management5:02 Why people struggle to explain things to management9:09 Lead with the answer, back up with numbers, end with the decision12:30 Growth naturally feels like success (but it could be misleading)16:17 Beyond's Revenue Meeting Guide: https://go.beyondpricing.com/revenue-meeting-guide-3q2617:45 How to build and deliver better-than-expected results21:54 How to frame revenue at risk to management25:57 Good automation should increase control29:51 The most common mistake revenue managers make in the room32:56 Zak's advice for revenue managers heading into the room35:40 Join us at Revenue Management Intelligence in Leeds, 25 SeptemberUse code LEEDS for 50% off tickets for Revenue Management Intelligence: https://istrm.org/events#RevenueManagement #Airbnb #ShortTermRental #VacationRental #HotelRevenueManagement #DynamicPricing #Beyond #HostPlanet
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  Is STR Regulation Finally Coming? STAA CEO Janet Uttley Explains 20.08.2026 33p

  Registration schemes on hold. A tourism levy fight nobody's sure we can win. Business rates squeezing operators. Janet Uttley, Chief Executive of the Short Term Accommodation Association, joins Host Planet – powered by Lodgify – to break down exactly where STR regulation stands right now, and what a good registration scheme would actually look like.We also get into the STAA's first 12 months of targets, how they're working alongside PASC UK and the ASSC, and whether the new government (and Andy Burnham) will move the needle for hosts.This episode is powered by Lodgify — get 20% off with code HOSTPLANET20: https://www.lodgify.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=creator-collab&utm_campaign=host-planetTimestamps:1:05 Get 20% off Lodgify with code HOSTPLANET201:52 Janet's first few months at the STAA2:58 The make-up of the STAA4:05 STAA targets for the next 12 months5:48 Collaborating with other industry bodies like PASC UK and the ASSC7:07 What the STAA does and why operators should be interested9:13 The registration scheme is on hold11:21 What does a good registration scheme look like?13:48 Tourism levy update… a battle we won't win?18:13 Business rates20:34 The impact of the new government on short-term rentals. Will Andy Burnham help us?21:55 Collaborating with destination marketing organisations24:38 Short Stay Summit28:13 Supporting the Host Planet Roadshow30:39 Find out more about the STAA and the Short Stay SummitContact Janet Uttley: [email protected] Planet Roadshow: https://www.hostplanet.club/host-planet-roadshowThe Host Planet Podcast is powered by Lodgify — get 20% off with code HOSTPLANET20: https://www.lodgify.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=creator-collab&utm_campaign=host-planet#ShortTermRentals #Airbnb #STAA #Lodgify #HostPlanetPodcast
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  OTA vs Direct Booking: What Actually Wins in 2026? 19.08.2026 32p

  Christin Schmidt spent 20 years working inside Booking.com – and in this episode of Built to Book, she reveals exactly what most hosts get wrong about their OTA ranking, why reviews matter differently on Airbnb vs Booking.com, and how to build an OTA vs direct booking strategy that doesn't leave money on the table.Built to Book is a six-part series from Host Planet and Smoobu, built to help hosts optimise revenue, ranking, and guest experience across every channel.⏱️ Timestamps1:18 What hosts misunderstand about their ranking on Booking.com3:26 If you want to boost your ranking tomorrow, this is what you should do4:18 Do all the OTAs rank properties the same way?5:58 Are reviews more important on Airbnb than on Booking.com?6:38 Should hosts think about OTA commission differently?9:07 How the OTA algorithms actually work13:17 Preferred Partner and Genius… worth it?16:38 Don't just put your rates up if you join a programme!18:04 The most counterintuitive thing to do to boost your ranking19:59 How to convert an OTA guest to a direct booker21:08 Get 20% off Smoobu: https://www.smoobu.com/en/hostplanet/?utm_source=hostplanet&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=podcast_221:57 The early signals a listing is starting to struggle24:35 What should your rates be on OTAs vs your direct booking website?27:07 Should your direct booking website always be a bit cheaper than the OTAs?28:10 If you're auditing a listing with bookings, where to start?29:38 The OTA change nobody has adapted to🎧 Built to Book is brought to you by Smoobu – get 20% off your subscription: https://www.smoobu.com/en/hostplanet/?utm_source=hostplanet&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=podcast_2👉 Subscribe to Host Planet for more short-term rental strategy, OTA optimisation and channel manager advice: https://www.hostplanet.club/#BuiltToBook #Smoobu #BookingComTags
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  Turno's Isa Bortolossi on Fixing Airbnb Cleaning Chaos | Turnover Tactics 17.08.2026 21p

  Turnover management is one of the toughest parts of running a short-term rental – and it only gets harder as you scale.In this episode of Turnover Tactics, brought to you by Host Planet and Turno, we sit down with Isa Bortolossi from Turno to unpack what's really going wrong behind the scenes of most cleaning operations – and how to fix it before it costs you a booking.Isa shares the craziest turnover story she's seen, breaks down the recurring problems her team spots across thousands of support tickets, and explains why anticipating issues beats firefighting them. We also get into the numbers: over 40% of Turno's projects last year were same-day turnovers, and Isa reveals the Turno Cleaner Guarantee and the hand-rating system hosts actually trust.If you're heading into peak season and want your cleaning operation to hold up under pressure, this one's for you.⏱️ TIMESTAMPS1:26 Check out Turno: https://turno.com/?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=host_planet2:17 There's always a new challenge with turnovers3:31 Isa's craziest story4:57 Anticipating problems is better than solving them on the fly6:07 Isa's team and the problems she sees again and again9:53 What support tickets show about problem operations11:33 The hand rating trusted by a Turno user13:00 More than 40% of Turno projects last year were same-day turnovers15:20 The Turno Cleaner Guarantee17:57 Isa's top tip for hosts approaching peak season20:17 Reach Isa and Turno🔗 Connect with Isa Bortolossi on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/isadora-bortolossi/🔗 Learn more about Turno: https://turno.com/?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=host_planetTurnover Tactics is a Host Planet series in partnership with Turno, helping short-term rental hosts build smarter, more sustainable operations.🎙️ Subscribe to Host Planet for more short-term rental strategy, automation tips, and host interviews every week: https://www.hostplanet.club/
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  The Direct Booking Strategy Every Host Needs in 2026 | Becky Ward 13.08.2026 23p

  Direct bookings are more valuable than ever in 2026 – and Becky Ward, CEO of Simply Owners, breaks down exactly how hosts and property managers can win more of them without relying on the OTAs.In this episode of the Host Planet Podcast – powered by Lodgify – Becky shares the Simply Owners story, why accessible properties are converting more direct guests, how SEO and GEO strategy plays into visibility, and the biggest mistakes hosts make when they try to "go direct" without a real plan.We also cover the upcoming Host Planet Roadshow in Nottinghamshire, where Simply Owners is the Event Partner – including what attendees can expect, the roundtable sessions, and how to grab your ticket.🎟️ Grab your ticket for the Host Planet Roadshow Nottinghamshire: https://www.hostplanet.club/hp-roadshow-nottingham💰 Get 20% off Lodgify with code HOSTPLANET20: https://www.lodgify.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=creator-collab&utm_campaign=host-planet🔗 Learn more about Simply Owners: https://www.simplyowners.net/TIMESTAMPS:1:00 Grab your ticket for the Host Planet Roadshow1:27 Get 20% off Lodgify with code HOSTPLANET202:13 The story of Simply Owners3:18 How Simply Owners helps people get direct bookings4:20 How the business is developing5:59 Accessible properties can achieve more direct bookings7:59 Focus on SEO and GEO9:18 Why direct bookings matter so much in 202612:20 Where hosts go wrong when they try to go direct13:54 Host Planet Roadshow Nottinghamshire: taking education to the regions15:45 What attendees can expect at the Notts event17:44 The roundtable competitions at Host Planet Roadshow events19:41 Becky Ward and Lisa Roads on stage21:18 What people should do to get more direct bookingsHost Planet is the home of everything short-term rental – helping hosts and property managers build smarter, more profitable, more sustainable STR businesses. Subscribe for weekly episodes, guest interviews, and actionable strategy.#HostPlanetPodcast #DirectBookings #ShortTermRentals
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  Choosing a PMS? The Mistake Most Hosts Make (ft. Hostfully's Frank Bosi) 11.08.2026 35p

  What's the best property management system... for YOU? 🏠In this episode of Build for Growth, James Varley sits down with Frank Bosi from Hostfully to break down how short-term rental hosts should actually evaluate a PMS – and the biggest mistake operators make when choosing one.We cover researching PMS options on YouTube, where ChatGPT/Claude recommendations can lead you astray, the must-have features every host needs, and how to pressure-test a system before committing.🎁 Hostfully is offering Build for Growth listeners FREE PMS onboarding + 30% off digital guidebooks for life. Find out more: https://www.hostfully.com/host_planet📧 Email Frank: [email protected]📅 Book a Hostfully demo with Frank: https://cal.mixmax.com/frankbosi/demo?re=IiY1x2YuQXZuFGbwR3cvhGQzVWbhpmI&rn=ISelxmchZFIzVWbhpkI&messageId=UjWJnyJQ1a9zxhP2CTIMESTAMPS2:49 Free PMS onboarding + 30% off guidebooks with Hostfully3:59 What's the best PMS… for me?6:32 The biggest mistake operators make when choosing a PMS10:05 How to research PMS options on YouTube12:50 Where to be careful with ChatGPT/Claude recommendations17:52 Features every host needs from a PMS21:22 Why now is the right time to start using a PMS24:28 How to pressure-test a PMS27:19 AI that saves time vs. AI that's just a buzzword29:09 How to choose the right PMS first time32:53 Frank's elevator pitch for Hostfully33:52 Connect with Frank + check out Hostfully#Airbnb #ShortTermRental #PropertyManagementSystem #Hostfully #VacationRental #AirbnbHost #STR
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  The Holiday Let Market Right Now: Shorter Breaks, Solo Travellers, and AI 10.08.2026 37p

  Shorter breaks. Last-minute bookings. Solo travellers. Group getaways. And a 1,389% spike in traffic from AI tools.The UK holiday let market is shifting – and if you're still managing your property the same way you were two years ago, you're probably leaving bookings on the table.In this episode of Holiday Let Insider, James Varley is joined by Owen Burt, SEO Manager at Sykes Holiday Cottages, for a data-driven breakdown of exactly where the UK staycation market stands right now – and what savvy owners are doing to stay ahead of it.🕐 Episode Chapters:00:00 Episode starts1:45 Staycations in the UK remain very popular4:35 Guests are booking shorter breaks at short notice9:25 The most popular UK locations – and what to do if you're in a quieter area14:59 The peak booking periods you need to plan around19:51 How Sykes Holiday Cottages can help you manage your holiday let20:40 The huge impact of solo travellers on the market25:33 The growth of group travel30:36 1,389% jump in traffic from AI tools – what it means for your listings34:41 The one thing owners should do after listening to this episode🔑 Key insights from this episode:• Why the UK staycation market is still growing – and which guest segments are driving it• How last-minute, shorter-break bookings are reshaping how owners price and manage availability• What to do if your property isn't in one of the UK's most popular holiday let locations• Solo and group travel: the two booking trends that are quietly changing occupancy patterns• The 1,389% traffic surge from AI search tools – and what it means for holiday let visibility• The single most important thing owners should act on right nowHoliday Let Insider is a series from Host Planet, powered in partnership with Sykes Holiday Cottages.Blog – How Different Holiday Let Guests are Booking in 2026: https://www.sykescottages.co.uk/letyourcottage/advice/article/holiday-let-guest-typesThe Sykes Staycation Index 2026: https://www.sykescottages.co.uk/blog/sykes-staycation-index-2026/July 2026 Holiday Letting Pulse Report: https://www.sykescottages.co.uk/letyourcottage/advice/article/holiday-letting-pulse-reportLet your property with Sykes: https://www.sykescottages.co.uk/letyourcottage/Subscribe to Host Planet for weekly insights on holiday let management, Airbnb growth, vacation rental marketing, and automation strategies that scale: https://www.hostplanet.club/#HolidayLetInsider #HolidayLet #UKStaycation #ShortTermRental #SykesHolidayCottages
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  Revenue Management Just Got Smarter – Here's How 06.08.2026 36p

  Dynamic pricing used to be a tool. Now it's a full revenue management system – and (in some cases) AI is running it.Julie Brinkman, CEO of Beyond, joins James Varley on the Host Planet Podcast – powered by Lodgify – to break down how the platform has evolved far beyond pricing, why so few hosts actually use dynamic pricing (and what's stopping them), and what the revenue manager's job looks like in an AI-powered world.🕒 Chapters:0:00 Episode starts1:26 Get 20% off Lodgify: https://www.lodgify.com/hostplanet/?utm_source=landing-page&utm_medium=creator-collab&utm_campaign=host-planet2:08 Beyond's evolution from dynamic pricing tool to much more4:59 The problems Beyond is solving for STR hosts & PMs10:10 AI can run your revenue management through Beyond12:41 How useful an AI agent could be to property managers17:41 How many hosts use dynamic pricing (and why isn't it higher?)24:25 What does the revenue manager's job look like in future?28:10 How to ensure humans stay informed in an AI world32:34 How to get ahead & what's next on the Beyond roadmap34:56 Contact Julie & find out more about Beyond📌 Resources mentioned:🔹 Beyond: https://beyondpricing.com/products/why-beyond?utm_medium=seo&utm_source=partner-2024&utm_campaign=holiday_cottage_handbook_2024🔹 Julie Brinkman: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jrbrinkman/ 🔹 Beyond's Listing Lens: https://beyondpricing.com/products/listing-lens🔹 Host Planet Roadshow: https://www.hostplanet.club/host-planet-roadshow🏠 This episode is powered by Lodgify – the all-in-one vacation rental software for hosts who want to take control of their bookings. Get 20% off Lodgify with code HOSTPLANET20: https://www.lodgify.com/hostplanet/?utm_source=landing-page&utm_medium=creator-collab&utm_campaign=host-planet🎙️ The Host Planet Podcast is available on YouTube, Spotify & Apple Podcasts. Join thousands of STR hosts and property managers across the world by subscribing to our newsletter: https://www.hostplanet.club/#AirbnbHost #DynamicPricing #ShortTermRental
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  The End of Traditional PMS? Agentic AI and the Future of STR Management 03.08.2026 33p

  Is your property management software already holding you back? Shahar Goldboim, CEO and Co-Founder of BOOM, makes the case for agentic AI – and why property managers who don't adapt risk being left behind.In Episode 1 of AI-Powered Hosting – the new series from Host Planet and BOOM – Shahar breaks down exactly why the traditional PMS can no longer support a modern portfolio, and what the shift from short term rental automation to agentic execution means for your business in practice.Whether you're managing five properties or 50+, this conversation will change how you think about AI, decision-making, and where the STR industry is heading.🎙️ In this episode:– Is the traditional PMS as we know it dead?– Why legacy software can't support a modern STR portfolio– The critical difference between automation and agentic execution– Everything under one platform: what BOOM actually does– How closing every loop transforms the guest experience– Can you really trust an agentic AI system to run your business?– Why the PMS is still the centre of truth — but its role is evolving👤 Guest: Shahar Goldboim, CEO & Co-Founder, BOOM📌 Chapters:0:00 Introduction2:03 Is the PMS as we know it dead?4:33 Why a traditional PMS can't support a modern STR portfolio6:23 Automation vs agentic execution — the key differences8:51 Check out BOOM: https://www.boomnow.com/?utm_source=HostPlanet&utm_medium=Sponsor&utm_campaign=20269:44 Inside BOOM – everything under one platform16:18 What an AI badge on legacy software actually means19:05 How closing all loops improves the guest experience24:49 Can you trust an agentic AI system?30:09 The PMS era is not over — it remains the centre of truth32:33 Connect with Shahar and BOOM🔗 Explore BOOM: https://www.boomnow.com/?utm_source=HostPlanet&utm_medium=Sponsor&utm_campaign=2026📬 Connect with Shahar on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shahar-goldboim-80820b95/AI-Powered Hosting is a new series from Host Planet and BOOM exploring how artificial intelligence is transforming the short-term rental industry — from automation to full agentic execution. Quote 'Host Planet' to get 50% off PMS onboarding with Boom: https://www.boomnow.com/?utm_source=HostPlanet&utm_medium=Sponsor&utm_campaign=2026#ShortTermRental #AgenticAI #PropertyManagement