From luxury brand investments, new local tax measures, and a top industry event on the horizon, this week’s vacation rental headlines reflect the continued investment and growth in the vacation rental space. Let’s take a look.

Exclusive Resorts has taken a minority stake in Accor’s Onefinestay, expanding its presence in the upscale vacation rental sector. The move signals that major hotel brands still see plenty of room for growth in the short-term rental market. While big players continue to invest, there’s still a clear lane for smaller, independent operators to thrive, offering more personalized service, local knowledge, and quality offerings. 

Ocean City, NJ is moving forward with a 3% occupancy tax on short-term rentals. Expected to raise nearly $2 million a year, the tax excludes hotels and realtor-booked stays. The move reflects a growing trend of cities seeking new revenue from vacation rentals to offset rising costs and to fund local infrastructure projects.

Inspirato, known for its subscription-based luxury vacation rentals, is merging with Buyerlink, a digital marketing platform, in a $326 million reverse merger. Following Exclusive Resorts’ investment in Onefinestay, this is another signal that demand for upscale vacation rentals remains strong and that well-capitalized players are doubling down on brand, reach, and growth in the luxury vacation space.

The 2025 STR Wealth Conference is just a month away, taking place July 23-25 at Nashville’s Music City Center. Focused on real-world results, the event offers attendees practical strategies from industry leaders, live deal funding opportunities, and chances to network with operators actively growing their short-term rental businesses. OwnerRez is proud to sponsor the conference and will have three team members at our booth ready to answer questions. Stop by to connect, learn more, and grab some OwnerRez swag. If you’re looking to scale your rental business, this is an event you won’t want to miss. Get your tickets now.