This week’s roundup covers Airbnb’s upcoming service fee changes, TikTok’s new in-app hotel bookings, surging Canadian travel, and the latest short-term rental policy battles in Los Angeles and Maui. Let’s dive in.
Airbnb announced this week an upcoming change to how service fees work for hosts who use property management software like OwnerRez. Currently, Airbnb charges hosts a 3% service fee and guests an additional 14-16% fee. Under the new "single-fee" structure, which goes into effect October 27th, a flat 15.5% service fee will be deducted from the host payout, and guests will only pay the price set by the host. Airbnb says the change will improve transparency for guests, make it easier for hosts to see the guest total, and allow hosts to more easily set competitive pricing. To keep your payouts consistent, you may need to adjust your rates upward by ~15.5% before October 27th. To easily make this change inside of OwnerRez, go to Settings > Channel Integrations, then select Airbnb. On the Airbnb Channel page, click Change at the top and on the following page, set your Rate Adjustment to “Adjust both rent and surcharges” and “Increase by” and set the amount to 15.5% (or the amount you’d like). We recently sent out an email blast with more details. If you'd like to check that out, please click here.
TikTok has launched in-app hotel booking through a partnership with Booking.com, allowing users in select U.S. markets to view availability, pricing, amenities, reviews, and complete reservations all without leaving the platform. As part of the partnership, Booking.com will participate in TikTok's creator program, TikTok Go, which lets approved influencers earn commissions or travel vouchers by tagging hotels in their content and driving bookings. Observers say the move could push more travel planning and transactions onto social media, strengthening the role of online travel agencies while giving creators a direct stake in distribution. This marks an exciting shift in the travel industry, and it will be interesting to see how quickly these advancements are adopted for vacation rentals.
Airbnb reports a continued surge in Canadian travel during the first half of 2025. Domestic bookings increased by over 10% compared to 2024, with 12 out of 13 provinces and territories experiencing growth. Notably, Newfoundland and Labrador, Prince Edward Island, Quebec, and Saskatchewan saw year-over-year increases exceeding 20%. Smaller towns and rural areas are gaining popularity, with destinations like West Kelowna, Regina, Gatineau, Langley, Whistler, Canmore, Blue Mountain, and Ucluelet among the top trending locations. Internationally, Canadians are exploring beyond the U.S., with significant growth in bookings to Japan, Brazil, France, the Philippines, Thailand, and Mexico. Top international destinations include Sumida, Naniwa Ward, Nakano in Japan; Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo in Brazil; Casablanca in Morocco; Paris in France; and Los Cabos, Bahia de Banderas in Mexico.
Airbnb has launched a campaign advocating for expanded short-term rentals in Los Angeles, proposing that the city allow a limited number of second homes to be rented as vacation rentals. The company says the move could generate significant tax revenue and help preserve union jobs. Justin Wesson, Airbnb’s senior public policy manager, emphasized that new revenue from tourists could provide funding for city services and support jobs at risk. The campaign, promoted by the "Save Our Services" coalition, has faced criticism over transparency, as Airbnb is funding and organizing the effort. While the coalition’s website lists union endorsements, some unions, including SEIU 721, have publicly opposed the campaign, citing concerns about housing affordability for their members.
In continued coverage of Maui County’s proposed vacation rental phase-out, previously reported in Industry News on June 6, June 13, July 4, and August 1, property owners are preparing for a potential legal challenge. The Maui Vacation Rental Association and individual owners have indicated they may sue if Bill 9 is enacted, arguing that the legislation infringes on property rights. As amended, the phase-out would begin in 2028 in West Maui and in 2030 for the rest of the county. Legal battles could be the next chapter in this ongoing debate, adding another layer of uncertainty to the island’s vacation rental market.
As the industry adapts to new fee structures, partnerships, and travel trends, expect more updates on the evolving vacation rental landscape. Check back next week for the latest news!
