This week’s roundup covers AirDNA’s report on strong short-term rental demand leading up to the 2026 World Cup, rising wellness trends shaping Gen Z travel, New York City’s discussions on short-term rental policies, new insights into guest expectations, and a proposed insurance rate hike in Western North Carolina. Let’s dive in.
Several news outlets reported this week on new AirDNA data indicating that demand for short-term rentals for the 2026 World Cup is already surging. Demand in host cities across the United States, Canada, and Mexico is already outpacing what is typical for major events, with markets such as Fort Worth, Houston, Kansas City, Mexico City, and Guadalajara showing some of the strongest year-over-year increases. The data indicates that fans are booking vacation rentals early to secure lodging and to get ahead of rising prices as availability tightens. This early momentum points to a potentially record-breaking summer for short-term rentals in World Cup host regions.
Awaze, a UK-based vacation rental company that manages over 100,000 properties across 20 countries, released new data this week showing a sharp rise in wellness-focused travel among Gen Z travelers. Matthew Price, CEO at Awaze, said that travelers are increasingly prioritizing well-being and relaxation, and that amenities like hot tubs and saunas are shifting from optional extras to features that consistently drive higher occupancy and stronger year-round returns. According to the report, physical and mental well-being is now Gen Z’s top discretionary spending priority, and 52 percent of those polled had taken a wellness-focused UK break in the past three years. Hot tubs have been a major factor in this demand, representing 55 percent of Awaze bookings and helping properties achieve 51 percent higher weekly rates and 45 percent higher occupancy compared to listings without hot tubs. For vacation rental operators, the trend signals a growing opportunity to market wellness-focused features as a way to increase bookings and revenue, especially among younger travelers.
New York City officials are reportedly considering a small, but meaningful change to Local Law 18, the short-term rental ban established in 2022. The proposal, if passed, would make three key adjustments. It would allow New York residents to offer their homes as short-term rentals while they are out of town, increase the current guest limit from two to four, and permit interior door locks to give both hosts and visitors added privacy. Supporters argue that the update would provide a welcome opportunity for residents to earn extra money and reduce lodging costs for visitors, all without affecting the long-term housing supply. At the same time, opponents continue to advocate for tight oversight. If approved, it would mark the first significant reconsideration of the city’s monumental restrictions since the law took effect.
VegOut Magazine published an article this week titled “I’ve stayed in Airbnbs across 25 countries – here are 5 red flags I now spot in listings instantly,” offering a seasoned traveler’s take on what can cause guests to scroll past a property. The article calls out issues like overly cropped or dimly lit photos, missing information about amenities, vague or restrictive house rules, and listings with no reviews or unclear location details. The author notes, “If a listing leaves me guessing, I take it as a sign to move on.” For vacation rental operators, the article underscores how important clarity and transparency are in securing bookings. Professional photos, detailed amenity lists, clear rules, and honest descriptions can help build trust and make a listing stand out to travelers who are trying to decide between several options.
Following last year’s devastating Hurricane Helene, North Carolina is considering a proposed 68 percent increase in dwelling insurance premiums for parts of Western North Carolina. Local officials and property owners say the hike could place significant financial pressure on vacation rental operators and may discourage investment in short-term rental properties. Some worry the higher costs could ripple into the region’s tourism economy, which relies heavily on rentals and seasonal visitors. The proposal is still under review and has sparked calls for more public input before any changes move forward.
As we look ahead to 2026, expect continued shifts in demand, traveler preferences, and regulation across the vacation rental industry. Check back next week for the latest updates.