This week, we look at Marriott’s outdoor-focused loyalty expansion, Airbnb’s 2026 World Cup efforts, Oregon’s strengthened guest privacy rules, and what’s next for Airbnb’s rewards program. Let’s dive in.
Marriott is expanding its Bonvoy program with a new outdoor platform that includes both stays and curated activities like hiking, biking, skiing, and water sports across North America. Members can now earn and redeem points not just on hotel rooms, but also on outdoor-focused lodging and experiences through partner resorts and outfitters. The move signals the strong demand for travel that goes beyond a place to sleep, as more guests seek trips built around wellness, adventure, and the outdoors. For short-term rental operators, this trend opens the door to highlight your property’s proximity to outdoor activities and even consider partnering with local outfitters to offer guests a more complete travel experience.
A recent report commissioned by Airbnb warns that Vancouver could face a shortfall of 70,000 overnight stays during the FIFA World Cup 2026, with hotel prices expected to soar by more than 200%. Airbnb is calling for temporary special event hosting rules, also known as event exemptions, to ease short-term rental restrictions during the tournament. Similar measures have been used successfully in the UK and Japan, allowing residents to host visitors for major events without affecting long-term housing supply. Airbnb says a time-limited exemption would help Vancouver close the lodging gap, keep prices more affordable for fans, and fully capture the economic benefits of hosting the World Cup. If approved, the exemption could create significant opportunities for hosts during the tournament and potentially set a precedent for future global events, such as the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles.
The state of Oregon has passed a new law strengthening privacy protections for guests in short-term rentals and hotels. Guests now have the right to take legal action and recover monetary damages if they are recorded through photos, video, or audio in spaces where they would reasonably expect privacy. The law expands protections beyond what was previously in place. For short-term rental operators, it’s a good opportunity to review your listings and ensure everything is fully compliant.
Airbnb is investing $5 million in communities hosting the 2026 FIFA World Cup across North America, with $1 million specifically allocated to New York and New Jersey. The funding will support the creation of five new soccer mini-pitches in the Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island, and New Jersey in collaboration with the U.S. Soccer Foundation. Airbnb will also sponsor community events, including the Queens Community Day festival and a celebration in the Bronx during the tournament. The company says the initiative aims to build a lasting community legacy while supporting local engagement ahead of the World Cup.
Skift released an interesting article this week speculating on a long-awaited rewards program from Airbnb. Sources say the company is currently evaluating loyalty options and may favor a membership style program over a traditional points system, offering perks like discounts, early check-ins, or waived fees. CEO Brian Chesky has described a loyalty or membership program as “a very, very compelling thing” and said “something big is coming” while development is underway. Analysts suggest a membership model could help Airbnb compete with hotel loyalty programs while staying true to its lifestyle and community driven brand. No launch date has been announced, but the discussion highlights Airbnb’s focus on deepening customer engagement as it expands further into hotels.
As the industry gears up for major events like the World Cup, expect more updates across the vacation rental landscape this fall. Check back next week for the latest news!
