This week’s roundup covers Dearborn’s new short-term rental rules, rising UK countryside bookings, a shift toward vacation homes among wealthy travelers, efforts to cut food waste in rentals, and European hotels challenging Airbnb’s over-tourism claims.
The Dearborn City Council approved new short-term rental regulations set to take effect January 1, 2026. The ordinance prohibits short-term rentals in single-family residential neighborhoods. A city representative said, “We believe that limiting short-term rentals to commercial areas, like our downtown districts, will protect housing stock for residents, including long-term renters."
Airbnb has shared its picks for the top ten family-friendly destinations in the UK this summer. The list includes seaside favorites like Dorset and Ceredigion, alongside popular countryside spots such as the Peak District and the Isle of Wight. According to Airbnb, family travel bookings to rural areas in the UK grew nearly 60 percent from 2019 to 2024, reflecting a broader trend toward quiet escapes. In 2024, the majority of guest nights stayed on Airbnb in the EU, almost 60 percent, were outside of cities.
According to a recent Forbes report, wealthy Americans are increasingly turning to vacation homes instead of traditional luxury hotels. Companies like Exclusive Resorts and Iconic House are seeing significant growth, driven by a demand for more privacy, space, and personalized services. Wealthy travelers are opting for the flexibility and intimacy of private stays over the standard hotel experience. This shift contributes to the global vacation rentals market, which, according to Statista, is expected to generate $105 billion in revenue this year and reach $125 billion by 2029.
A recent report highlighted in Parade points to food waste as a growing issue in short-term vacation rentals, with U.S. vacationers generating an estimated $2 billion in wasted food each year. Guests say they would welcome information on how to donate or compost unused food before checkout. With vacation rentals on the rise, these small steps could help reduce environmental impact while enhancing the guest experience.
Following our May 23rd and June 20th Industry News updates on Spain’s court ruling against unlicensed Airbnb listings, European hotel leaders are now challenging Airbnb’s recent report on overtourism. Airbnb’s “Overtourism in the EU” report claimed that hotels account for most tourist stays and suggested that short-term rentals help ease crowding by spreading visitors beyond city centers. The report also pointed to airlines and cruise ships as key drivers of overtourism. Meliá Hotels CEO Gabriel Escarrer pushed back, noting vacation rentals in Spain have grown 135 percent over the past decade, far outpacing hotels, which face stricter rules. Accor, another major hotel group, echoed the call for balanced tourism policies and stronger oversight of short-term rentals.
As the vacation rental industry navigates shifting regulations, market trends, and traveler expectations, we’ll be watching for what’s next. Check back next week for more industry updates!