Airbnb’s Strict Policy Sunset + How Europe’s Travellers Are Planning Trips in 2025

Welcome to episode 279 of the STR Daily podcast, powered by Boostly, the industry's first AI driven show for short term rental professionals. I'm Bob, your host, bringing you the latest news, trends and insights in travel, AI and hospitality. Whether you're a host, property manager or industry expert, this podcast is your go to source for staying ahead in the fast moving world of short term rentals. Our mission to equip you with actionable strategies and updates so you can navigate the industry with confidence. Hit that subscribe button and never miss an upload in today's episode. First up, Airbnb is retiring its strict cancellation policy for new listings starting October 1, 2025. Hosts currently using the policy will be automatically shifted to the more flexible firm policy unless they manually opt out before the deadline to retain the strict terms. Even then, all policies, including grandfathered ones, will now include a universal 24 hour grace period allowing penalty free guest cancellations. The platform is also introducing a new limited policy aimed at short stays designed to balance host protection and guest flexibility. Hosts of high value properties may still apply for Airbnb's exclusive super strict policies, but for most, adjusting strategy is a must. Meanwhile, new new research from Focusrite reveals how European travelers in the UK, France and Germany are planning trips in 2025 while search engines and OTA sites still dominate as key sources. Generative AI search results now rival paid ads in visibility, yet it's personal recommendations from friends and family that remain the most trusted. Price sensitivity continues to shape travel decisions, but optimism about future travel remains strong despite rising costs. Understanding how Europeans gather inspiration and who they trust can help STR hosts and marketers fine tune their listings, pricing and promotional strategies. If you need help boosting your direct bookings, check out the Boostly website and if you'd like a shout out on the podcast, leave a review. We love hearing from our listeners and your feedback helps us improve. Also, don't forget to share this podcast with your industry peers. Tag Boostly UK on social media when you do and we'll be sure to share it too. Thanks for tuning in. And remember, Book Direct.