This week’s roundup covers Hilton Head’s updated short-term rental rules, Formula 1 driving a massive increase in rates, Booking.com’s top travel trends for 2026, and new developments in Maui’s vacation rental phase-out. Let’s dive in.
Hilton Head, South Carolina, leaders have reached an agreement on updates to short-term rental rules, though final approval is still pending. The proposed changes include a new requirement for third-party monitoring of fire alarm systems in larger homes, a limit of six exterior parking spaces, the removal of earlier plans for occupancy caps, and more. The rejection of an occupancy limit after much public discussion is a major win for short-term rental operators. These updates are expected to take effect on May 1st, 2026, if approved, giving hosts time to prepare. If you rent in Hilton Head, now’s a good moment to review your property’s fire safety measures, parking arrangements, and make sure your listings align with the new proposed guidelines.
The Formula 1 race in Austin, Texas, this weekend drove a sharp increase in short-term rental prices, with Airbnb rates up 84 percent compared to the weekend before the event. According to Vegas Insider, average nightly rates rose from about $423 to $780 during the F1 weekend. This highlights the importance of setting up seasonal rates or utilizing spot rates within OwnerRez. Planning for major events in your area can help you stay competitive and capture more revenue when demand is at its peak.
Booking.com has released the 10th edition of its annual travel predictions, highlighting a major shift toward highly personalized travel in 2026. Based on feedback from over 29,000 travelers across 33 countries and territories, the report outlines ten trends showing that travelers are increasingly seeking trips that reflect their personalities, unique preferences, and close relationships. Highlighted trends include tech-forward “Humanoid Homes,” astrology-influenced “Destined-ations,” and “Glow-cations” focused on skincare and wellness. Travelers are also showing interest in relationship-testing getaways, shared road trips, nostalgic travel based on past memories, and trips tied to personal milestones.
James Waters, Chief Business Officer at Booking.com, wrote, "In 2026, travel is becoming a reflection of who people truly are, with journeys built around interests that perhaps in the past felt too niche or bold to explore. Travelers are stress-testing relationships, stepping into fantasy worlds, turning their kitchens into reflections of their journeys, and looking at new ways to experience road trips and vacation rentals with enhanced technology features."
For short-term rental operators, the key takeaway is to consider how your marketing appeals to the new audience entering the marketplace. Highlighting features of your property that align with these trends, whether through photos, listing descriptions, or amenities, could help increase visibility and demand heading into 2026.
In continued coverage of Maui County’s vacation rental phase-out, previously reported in Industry News on June 6th, June 13th, July 4th, August 1st, and August 29th, new recommendations from a County Council investigative group could allow thousands of rentals to remain. The temporary investigative group was formed after the council voted to advance Bill 9. Their role was to assess the social and economic impacts of the legislation, identify apartment-zoned properties that should continue operating as vacation rentals, and suggest improvements to the zoning change process. The group proposed a hotel zoning designation for over 50 buildings on the “Minatoya List,” potentially sparing about 4,500 units. They also recommended that vacation rentals in apartment districts on Molokai not be phased out, regardless of what happens on Maui. The public was invited to weigh in on these proposals this week. The bill still plans to move forward with a phase-out of many rentals starting in West Maui in 2028 and across the rest of the county by 2030. With legal challenges likely, the future of Maui’s vacation rental market remains uncertain.
As we quickly approach 2026, new trends, rules, and events will continue to shape the vacation rental market. Check back next week for the latest updates!