This week’s roundup covers Airbnb’s new “Reserve Now, Pay Later” feature, Casago’s latest moves following its Vacasa acquisition, and the growing trend of autism-friendly vacation rentals. Plus, updates on Monterey County’s new STR ordinance, Airbnb’s new pool safety tool aimed at protecting guests and Gathern’s Series B funding. Let’s dive in.
Airbnb has rolled out a new "Reserve Now, Pay Later" feature, allowing guests to secure bookings without paying anything upfront. Guests who select this option won’t need to pay the full booking amount until shortly before the end of the listing’s free cancellation period. Available immediately for U.S. based listings with a moderate or flexible cancellation policy, this feature is designed to offer more flexibility for travelers, particularly those making last-minute plans or coordinating group trips. The move aims to streamline the booking process and increase reservation conversions for hosts.
Following its acquisition of Vacasa in May, Casago has announced a partnership with its Casago San Diego franchise to manage 150 coastal vacation rental properties previously handled by Vacasa. This follows a similar deal with Bolivar Vacations, which has assumed management of over 90 former Vacasa properties on the Texas Gulf Coast. The move is part of Casago's broader strategy to transition from centralized management to local operators, offering more personalized service while leveraging the strength of a national brand.
A growing number of vacation rentals are being tailored for guests with autism, offering specialized features designed to make stays more comfortable and accessible. In places like Fire Island, Yucca Valley, and Florida’s Gulf Coast, homes are being equipped with sensory-friendly amenities such as quiet spaces, adjustable lighting, and additional exterior door locks to help families with autistic members enjoy stress-free vacations. These inclusive accommodations are part of a broader trend to make travel more accessible to everyone, ensuring that families with unique needs have a welcoming place to stay while on vacation.
Monterey County's new vacation rental ordinance has been approved by the California Coastal Commission. The updated rules will ban vacation rentals in specific regions, add stricter permit requirements, and more. Planning staff aim to present the ordinance to the Board of Supervisors on September 23rd, with regulations set to take effect on October 24th, if passed. Unpermitted rentals will have two months to apply for permits or cease operations.
Airbnb has introduced a new pool safety tool designed to enhance guest safety. The feature will appear in message threads for guests who book listings with pools or those near bodies of water. Once a booking is confirmed, guests will receive automated prompts encouraging them to ask their host safety-related questions, such as questions about water access, available safety equipment, and any potential hazards. Developed in collaboration with Safe Kids Worldwide, the tool aims to increase awareness and reduce risks during stays.
Gathern, a Saudi Arabian vacation rental platform, has raised $72 million in its Series B funding round to expand its operations. The platform is focused on tapping into the growing demand for short-term rentals across the Middle East, offering a diverse range of properties for both local and international travelers. With this new capital, Gathern plans to enhance its technology, improve the user experience, and grow its market share in the region. The funding marks a key milestone as the company aims to strengthen its position against global players in the vacation rental market.
As the vacation rental industry adapts to new features, regulations, and trends, we’ll continue to see changes that impact both hosts and guests. Check back next week for more updates on how these developments are shaping the future of the market!