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Wire Weekly: Global Short-Term Rental & Hospitality News

Airbnb tests loyalty benefits, payment flexibility goes global, and Vrbo adds weather guarantees. This week's OTA moves and what they mean for operators.

GV

Gianpaolo Vairo

Monday, May 18, 2026 at 2:39 PM · 1 min read

Wire Weekly: Global Short-Term Rental & Hospitality News

This week’s headlines spotlight major OTA moves: Airbnb finally tests loyalty, Reserve Now Pay Later goes global, and Vrbo adds weather insurance.

Airbnb Finally Tests Loyalty Programme

After seven years since shelving “Superguest”, Airbnb is experimenting with loyalty benefits. CEO Chesky believes it “could be a massive accelerant”. One visible test: “top-rated guests” offered 10-15-20% discounts on participating properties. The catch? Hosts fund the discounts for higher visibility.

Reserve Now, Pay Later Goes Global

Airbnb has rolled out RNPL globally with 70% adoption rates. 42% of travellers said they’d delayed booking whilst coordinating payments with fellow travellers.

Vrbo Adds Weather Insurance

Vrbo partnered with WeatherPromise to offer automatic compensation when rain exceeds thresholds during stays. No claims filing required.

Industry Briefs

NOT A HOTEL Raises EUR 55 million for luxury villa expansion in Japan.

Hostaway Partners with Plum Guide for premium distribution.

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GV

Gianpaolo Vairo

Covering the short-term rental industry for Scale Wire. Focused on Wire Weekly, technology trends, and market analysis.