Sarah · Aug 18, 2026 · 3 min read
Airbnb will serve as the Official Lodging Partner for five NASCAR and Speedway Motorsports racetracks during the 2027 season, with listings surfaced directly on participating track websites.
Airbnb's anti-party technology is reactivated for Memorial Day weekend, automatically screening out short last-minute bookings flagged as higher risk for disruptive gatherings — for the fourth consecutive year.
Expedia is merging its B2B and supply teams under Alfonso Paredes to streamline operations and boost its platform and partner business.
Expedia spent $279 million acquiring Tiqets to strengthen its experiences market position, while Airbnb gained $70 million from the deal.
Agoda and the Macao Government Tourism Office are expanding their partnership for 2026, promoting boutique hotels in Macao's Outer Harbour District to new markets including Brazil, Vietnam, and Central Asia, with Middle East searches up 247%.
Airbnb's summer 2026 trends report highlights playcations (activity-centred trips), rural retreats, and value-seeking behaviour. A third of travellers are staying closer to home, while Gen Z is heading to Thailand and off-the-beaten-path Greek islands.
Expedia Group posted its best-ever Q1 profit margin, with 13% gross bookings growth and an 83% jump in adjusted EBITDA, as the B2B segment outpaced consumer brands by a wide margin.
BC Premier David Eby publicly rejected Airbnb's FIFA World Cup exemption request, while Mexico City reviews its STR law and a Valencia court voided the city's tourist housing moratorium. What each means for operators.
Expedia has flagged rising security risks for hotels, urging operators to strengthen cybersecurity and safety protocols.
Airbnb says FIFA World Cup 2026 bookings have surpassed every prior event in its history, with more than 100,000 new host listings in tournament cities and 77% of available inventory priced under $500 per night.
Uber has expanded into hotel bookings, challenging OTAs by offering integrated travel services, potentially disrupting the market.
Airbnb reported Q1 2026 revenue of $2.7 billion (+18% YoY), with Adjusted EBITDA up 24% to $519 million. App bookings accelerated to 63% of total nights, and first-time booker growth hit its highest level since early 2022.