Airbnb is phasing out its Strict cancellation policy and rolling out new guest-friendly features. Meanwhile, Phocuswright reveals how European travellers are planning 2025 trips—with personal recommendations and AI search now shaping decisions. Hosts, it’s time to adapt.
We’re unpacking major changes to Airbnb’s cancellation policies and diving into fresh research on how European travellers are booking and planning trips in 2025.
Airbnb is sunsetting its once-popular “Strict” cancellation policy starting October 1, 2025. All new listings will default to the more lenient “Firm” policy unless hosts actively opt out before the change goes live. Even for those who keep the Strict policy, Airbnb is introducing a platform-wide 24-hour grace period, allowing guests to cancel penalty-free within the first day of booking.
To further simplify and modernise options, a new “Limited” policy is being rolled out for short stays—designed to balance guest flexibility with host protection. For high-value listings, hosts can still apply for “Super Strict” policies, but these will be limited to specific cases. The takeaway? Hosts need to review their current policies and consider how these changes affect occupancy, cancellations, and pricing strategies.
Fresh data from Phocuswright sheds light on how European travellers from the UK, France, and Germany are planning their 2025 holidays. While search engines and OTAs still lead in online discovery, generative AI search results are gaining traction, often matching or even surpassing traditional paid ads in visibility. But even in an AI-heavy landscape, personal recommendations from friends and family remain the most trusted source of travel inspiration.
Price sensitivity is still a major factor for European guests—but their intent to travel remains strong. For STR hosts, this means positioning your listings where guests search (think Google and AI tools), but also focusing on trust signals like guest reviews, referrals, and community recommendations. The future of bookings will be both digital and deeply personal.
Final Thought: Stay Ahead by Staying Informed
Whether you’re navigating Airbnb’s shifting policy landscape or adapting your marketing to evolving guest behaviour, the key is flexibility. Monitor changes, adjust your settings, and continue building trust with every stay.
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
