A glimpse into the future of short-term rentals

Your Air Success proved to be one of the most insightful gatherings in the short-term rental (STR) calendar, bringing together forward-thinking operators, tech innovators, and seasoned professionals for a day of actionable insights and honest discussions about the future of the industry.

The future of short-term rentals, featuring AI, Airbnbs on wheels, and much more

A standout moment came during the fireside chat between Guesty’s Robin Clifford and Host Planet Founder, James Varley. Robin didn’t hold back in his predictions. He believes that with AI poised to take over 80% of jobs, people will have more time and money to explore the world – and short-term rentals will be major beneficiaries. He described a travel future that is easier, more spontaneous, and increasingly guest-centric.

Capital insights

Stefan Hoffelner, Co-Founder of Your AirHost, offered a detailed breakdown of London’s STR market. Despite tightening regulation and shifting guest demographics, Stefan painted a picture of resilience and long-term opportunity in one of the world’s most competitive STR cities.

Tough years ahead – but stick with it

A heavyweight panel featuring Emma Kelman (The Island Holiday Company), Andrew Easton (Beach Retreats), and James Cornwell (Curated Property) dived into the operational realities of managing STR portfolios. Topics included:

• The ongoing challenge of fire safety compliance

• The impact of tax regime changes on owners and operators

• Escalating costs across the board – from cleaning to energy

• The prospect of energy performance certifications (EPCs) for short-term rentals

While the panel acknowledged these challenges, their message was clear: don’t quit now. As regulation increases, it will naturally phase out bad actors. The hosts who focus on quality, professionalism, and guest satisfaction will thrive in a market where demand continues to grow.

Expert insights and practical takeaways

The event also featured punchy and practical presentations from some of the industry’s most respected voices:

• Lizzy Grayson (Beyond) on the power of dynamic pricing.

• Tim Koninckx (AutoRank) with Airbnb optimisation tips.

• Suzanne Luscombe on implementing smart tech for greener, more sustainable STRs.

• Richard Vaughton (Yes Consulting) provided a granular look at where STR property managers are losing money – and how to stop the bleed.

• Siddhi Mittal (yhangry) inspired the crowd with her vision for delivering a six-star guest experience that drives repeat business and boosts revenue.

• Matt Jeffery (Zeal Tax) gave an important update on the changing furnished holiday lettings (FHL) tax regime.

• Stephanie Flint (Rural Stays) made the case for regulation in the STR cleaning sector, calling for higher standards and better accountability.

• Andrew Schorr (Hospitable) tackled risk management in STRs – helping hosts navigate the balance between coverage, cost, and peace of mind.

• Adam Buckmaster (eviivo) showed how operators can save a full day of work each week with the right tools and systems.

Storytelling, branding and energy

The storytelling secrets panel brought creative flair into focus, with Daniela Derin, Genevieve White, and Paul Anderson sharing how personal narratives and branding can elevate a listing from good to unforgettable.

Closing out the day with energy and vision were Shiven Vinod Khera (Linkbase) and Madison Rifkin (Mount), who showcased exciting innovations that could reshape how hosts operate and connect with guests.

Takeaway

Your Air Success wasn’t just about weathering the storm – it was about harnessing the momentum of change. The STR landscape may be evolving rapidly, but the message from every speaker, panellist, and expert was crystal clear:

“Now is not the time to quit. Now is the time to level up.”