Wire Weekly: Global Short-Term Rental & Hospitality News

This week’s short-term rentals and hospitality headlines spotlight a seismic regulatory shift in Italy that creates unprecedented opportunities for professional property managers, whilst Barcelona doubles down on tourism taxes and platform giants test new service expansions.

Italy’s New Law: Only Registered Businesses Can Operate Short-Term Rentals

Italy passed legislation that fundamentally restructures who can legally operate short-term rentals. Since 1 January 2026, Italian property owners managing more than two short-term rental properties must register as businesses (autonomo status) with a VAT number.

What this means for operators: This is a rare regulatory change that actively benefits professional property management companies.

Barcelona Doubles Tourism Tax to Fund Housing

Barcelona has approved one of Europe’s highest tourism taxes, with holiday rental guests seeing their nightly tax rise from EUR 6.25 to EUR 12.50.

Airbnb Tests Airport Pickups, Eyes Flight Bookings

Airbnb is piloting scheduled private car transfers and airport pickups in select cities, signalling the platform’s continued push beyond accommodation into full-service travel.

Awaze Invests GBP 45 Million in Tech Modernisation, Launches ChatGPT App

UK-based holiday rentals provider Awaze has unveiled a ChatGPT app as the centrepiece of its annual GBP 45 million technology investment programme.

AirDNA Survey: Market Consolidation Accelerates

US STR supply grew just 3.3% in 2025, down sharply from the 20% peak expansion in 2021-2022.

Industry Briefs

Otamiser Raises $2 Million for AI-Powered OTA Revenue Management.

Operto Launches Operto ONE AI Platform for streamlined property management operations.