The vast majority (96.8%) of short-term rental (STR) owners believe that technology is “critical to their success”. This is according to a survey by management platform Hospitable of 566 STR hosts of different management types, including self-managed, co-hosts and property managers.
Detailed findings of the survey:
- Over 90% of respondents use property management software, while 70% utilize dynamic pricing tools . At the same time, there is an increasing use of artificial intelligence – mainly embedded in management platforms.
- While Airbnb (98.8%) and Vrbo (79%) remain dominant, 51.3% of hosts now also use their own booking websites, aiming for greater independence and control.
- 79.9% of self-managed hosts do not intend to work with a management company in 2025, while 13.5% have discontinued a previous partnership. Hosts seek autonomy and direct contact with their clients.
- Over 74% of respondents are investing in personalising the guest experience as a key competitive advantage. Over half believe that large companies cannot offer the same level of personal touch.
“Hosts are not looking for someone to replace them, but tools that enhance what they already do well,” said Hospitable CEO Pierre-Camille Hamana. Reliance on technology and direct customer relationships is shaping a new, more mature strategy in the short-term rental space.
