We unpack two significant developments shaping the future of short-term rentals and travel marketing: Airbnb’s new fee transparency and off-platform policy, and Expedia Group’s AI-powered reinvention.
Starting May 10, 2025, Airbnb is rolling out its Off-Platform and Fee Transparency Policy, and it’s a game-changer for property managers and software-connected hosts.
The platform is cracking down on hidden costs and unapproved guest communication tactics. Under the new policy:
All mandatory fees (including resort fees, cleaning charges, and extra guest costs) must be explicitly included in Airbnb’s pricing tools—either added to the nightly rate or entered in the designated fee fields.
Off-platform or undisclosed fees can now lead to lower search rankings, fewer bookings, and potential policy violations.
Contact info collection is more tightly controlled. You’re only allowed to collect this data for legal compliance and must disclose it clearly. No more using messaging to route guests off-platform for bookings or upsells.
Third-party tools are still allowed but must be optional and cannot gate essential information or services behind a login wall.
Why is this happening? Airbnb is moving toward greater platform control—possibly preparing for a Host Marketplace model where guest services, upsells, and experiences are centralised within the Airbnb ecosystem. For hosts, this means aligning with Airbnb’s structure or risk falling behind.
Now more than ever, it’s essential to audit your listings, review your PMS integrations, and ensure pricing is transparent. Communication strategies must also be reviewed—especially if you rely on guest data for pre- or post-stay touchpoints.
While Airbnb is tightening its ecosystem, Expedia Group is investing in innovation—especially when it comes to AI and social media integration.
In its Q1 2025 earnings report, Expedia revealed a 3% rise in revenue to $2.99 billion, with B2B channels leading the charge (up 14% in bookings). However, the consumer side—Expedia.com, Vrbo, and Hotels.com—continues to face headwinds, including a 30% drop in Canadian inbound travel and softer U.S. demand.
To stay relevant and spark growth, Expedia has launched Expedia Trip Matching, a new tool that scans Instagram Reels to create custom travel itineraries based on what users watch. It's a clear bet on the convergence of social content, AI, and personalised inspiration.
This comes after Expedia’s internal restructuring, which included a 4% reduction in staff. But rather than scaling back, the company is becoming more agile, tech-forward, and focused on developing tools that reflect how travellers really plan trips in 2025—through visual platforms, social media, and tailored recommendations.
Expedia CEO Ariane Gorin highlighted that AI is now central to how they’re building brand value, optimising user experience, and supporting travel partners.
Update Your Airbnb Listings
Review your fees, descriptions, and integrations now. Hidden charges or non-compliant messaging practices could lead to reduced visibility on the platform.
Think Like a Guest—On and Off Airbnb
With Airbnb tightening its grip and Expedia going social, direct booking sites and STR businesses must find creative ways to capture guest attention through transparent pricing, frictionless experiences, and visually rich content.
Prepare for the AI-Social Era of Travel
Expedia’s move into Instagram-based itinerary generation is just the beginning. Guests will increasingly expect personalised, AI-powered trip planning, delivered in formats they already consume—think Reels, TikTok, and visual storytelling.
Diversify Your Channels
Don’t rely solely on OTAs. Build out your direct booking funnel, integrate social proof into your marketing, and experiment with tools that allow you to personalise and automate your guest journey.
Ready to elevate your direct booking game? Visit the Boostly website for the tools, strategies, and support you need to succeed in 2025 and beyond. And remember: Book Direct.
