STAA MEMBER MAGAZINE ISSUE #03
WWW.UKSTAA.ORG
JANUARY 2024
Sustainable Winter Practices for Holiday Lets: A Green Approach
We have been busy on the policy front over the last few months.
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MEMBERS’ MEETINGS
6 SUSTAINABLE WINTER PRACTICES
5 8 OUR EXCLUSIVE DATA PARTNER
SUCCESS FOR SHORT TERM LETTING
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POLICY UPDATES
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HOST & STAY ACQUIRES...
MEMBERS’ SPOTLIGHT
A MERGER ANNOUNCEMENT
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24 QUARTERLY STAA BOARD
MEET IPEK
UPCOMING
EVENTS!
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DEAR STAA FAMILY!
2023 has been a year full of opportunities and challenges for our sector. As STAA, together with our partners, we held the biggest ever Short Stay Summit, connecting the industry and sharing valuable insights. We’re certain that the Short Stay Summit 2024 will be even bigger and better! This year, it became clear that our industry should speak together on issues that impact us. 2023 was a crucial year for regulation, with the Scottish licensing scheme coming into effect, Wales consulting on issues such as licensing and tourism tax, and the English Government announcing plans to introduce a registration scheme and a potential new use class for short term lets. We’ve made real progress over the past year by establishing strong connections with
policymakers, and we plan to keep collaborating with the English, Scottish, and Welsh Governments to ensure the ongoing success of our sector. As we embark on this new year, the upcoming general elections take centre stage, directing our attention to the political landscape. We remain dedicated to working closely with the Government and policymakers, as we expect significant developments in the above mentioned policy areas over the coming months. But we are at the same time turning our attention to the possible change in Government that awaits us, building up our relationships with the Labour Party and establishing the STAA as a trusted partner for all those seeking to understand more about our industry. We also want to deepen our connection at the local level, an endeavour we have already started on last year by kicking off a series of regional roundtables and networking events (check out the policy update of this edition for more detail).
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In the midst of these developments, it’s important to underscore the essential role our members play in shaping the direction of our organisation. Their continued support for the STAA goes beyond just the fact of their membership; they represent active involvement in our collective mission. The STAA serves as a channel for the voices of our members, ensuring their ideas resonate in parliamentary discussions and serve as a link between their needs and aspirations and the governance of our sector. We would like to thank our members once again for letting us unite their voices in taking steps to making our industry greater and better. Looking forward, we have exciting events on the horizon, including the upcoming Short Stay Summit. Covering topics from navigating short-stay regulations to discussing the future of hospitality, the summit offers a platform for collaboration and finding solutions for collective challenges.
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As we navigate this general election year, I want to express appreciation for the essential role each of our members plays in advancing our shared goals. The support of our members propels STAA forward, enabling us to advocate for their interests and strive towards a future where their collective voice actively influences governing policies. I ask each and every one of you to get in touch with myself or our Secretariat with any comments, ideas or concerns that you may have, and I look forward to working with all of you to make this new year a great one for our industry. Best regards,
ANDY FENNER, Chief Executive, STAA
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When
With
Topic
30th January Key Data
Sally Henry – 2023 round up and how has 2024 started off
21st February
Avantio
Secure payments
19th March
National Fire Chiefs Council
Fire safety
To register your spot email: mike.ortegon@ukstaa.org
REFERRAL SCHEME Pay less for your membership... Our referral scheme is designed to reward your loyalty - for every new member you introduce who joins the association, you’ll receive a discount on your subsequent year’s membership. It’s a win-win! We’re enhancing this scheme, with improvements being rolled out now we promise to keep you updated via email on all the exciting developments. The more referrals you make, the more you save - it’s as simple as that! To refer someone email: ipek.kiran@ukstaa.org
Members’ Meetings
We’re delighted to continue our Monthly Members’ Meetings for 2024, now hosted online by Mike Ortegon. These virtual gatherings offer a vital platform for networking, exchanging industry insights, and keeping abreast of evolving trends in the shortterm rental sector. Members will be conveniently notified via email a month prior, ensuring Mike they are well-prepared to Ortegon engage in these informative sessions. These meetings are essential for fostering a sense of community, encouraging collaborative growth, and providing our members with the latest tools and strategies to thrive in our dynamic industry. Join us in these insightful and interactive sessions to stay connected and ahead in the market.
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SUSTAINABLE WINTER PRACTICES FOR HOLIDAY LETS: A GREEN APPROACH As the demand for sustainable tourism grows, holiday lets have a unique opportunity to adopt ecofriendly practices, especially during the winter season. Winter brings its own set of challenges, from increased energy consumption to potential environmental impact. In this paper, we explore ways in which holiday lets can enhance their sustainability during the winter months.
ENERGY EFFICIENCY One of the primary concerns for holiday lets in winter is energy consumption. Implementing energy-efficient measures can significantly reduce the environmental footprint. Installing programmable thermostats, energy-efficient heating systems, and proper insulation can contribute to substantial energy savings. Moreover, using renewable energy sources such as solar panels can further reduce the carbon footprint associated with winter heating. One particular relevant aspect to energy efficiency in winter is reducing heat loss. This would include such measures as loft insulation, draft excluders, velvet curtains near your front door and ensuring your premises has decent levels of glazing.
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LOG BURNERS A feature of some winter scenes is people crowded around a log burner or open fire. These are not particularly sustainable however a huge positive difference can be achieved by changing the fuel that is burned. Burning dry and seasoned hardwoods; for example, oak or maple, produces fewer emissions and are more efficient than burning softwoods like pine or fir. One alternative to burning wood is to utilise coffee logs. Compared to the grounds going to landfill, turning coffee grounds into logs saves on greenhouse gas emissions (over 130% according to bio-bean). They work exceptionally well: burning 20% hotter than traditional wood logs.
WASTE REDUCTION Winter holidays often generate more waste due to increased occupancy and festive celebrations. Implementing waste reduction strategies, such as promoting recycling, providing reusable amenities, and encouraging guests to minimize single-use items, can contribute to a more sustainable holiday let. Additionally, composting organic waste from holiday festivities can be an environmentally friendly practice that benefits both the property and the local ecosystem.
SUSTAINABLE CLEANING PRODUCTS AND TOILETRIES There are a plethora of products now on the market that lay claim to being better for the environment from toilet rolls to cleaning fluids. Using products that are biodegradable is a positive step and avoiding products that contain environmentally unfriendly chemicals (read the symbols on the label) is another.
LOCAL ENGAGEMENT Encouraging guests to engage with the local community during the winter months can foster sustainability. Suggesting local winter activities, promoting local businesses, and collaborating with nearby vendors for eco-friendly services can
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create a positive impact. Additionally, holiday lets can source locally produced goods and services, supporting the regional economy while reducing the environmental impact associated with transportation.
BIODIVERSITY AND LANDSCAPING Winter landscaping can be an opportunity for holiday lets to contribute positively to local biodiversity. Planting native, winter-resistant vegetation not only enhances the property’s aesthetics but also supports local ecosystems. Bird feeders and wildlife-friendly practices can attract and sustain local fauna, providing guests with a unique and environmentally conscious experience.
EDUCATION AND AWARENESS Raising awareness among guests about the holiday let’s commitment to sustainability is crucial. Providing information on energy-saving practices, waste disposal guidelines, and the property’s overall eco-friendly initiatives can inspire guests to adopt similar practices in their daily lives.
CONCLUSION In conclusion, a sustainable approach to holiday lets during winter involves a combination of energy efficiency, waste reduction, local engagement, landscaping, and education. By adopting these practices, holiday lets can not only reduce their environmental impact but also provide guests with a more enriching and responsible winter holiday experience. As the demand for sustainable travel continues to rise, incorporating green initiatives during the winter season will position holiday lets as leaders in the hospitality industry’s journey towards a more sustainable future. WRITTEN BY: GAVIN LENDON, SUSTAINOLOGY UK LIMITED
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These are the most important datasets that property managers around the world rely on to optimise their short term rental business strategies.
KEY DATA BECOMES EXCLUSIVE DATA PARTNER OF THE UK SHORT TERM ACCOMMODATION ASSOCIATION LONDON, December 14th 2023: Key Data, the global leader in market intelligence for the short term rental (STR) industry, is now the exclusive data partner of the UK Short Term Accommodation Association (STAA), bringing insights into travel and occupancy trends for the U.K.’s STR economy. The agreement gives the STAA access to market reports and trends to track industry performance throughout the U.K. Key Data sources data directly from short term rental professionals and leading property management systems to deliver trustworthy, real-time occupancy, daily rate, benchmarking, feeder market, and other insights in real time. The STAA was founded in 2017, when seven likeminded short-term rental companies came together with one purpose in mind: uniting to tackle common industry challenges and pursue shared industry goals. Today, the STAA represents close to 100 different businesses from all across the country and represents the industry to policy makers, whilst looking to improve standards and stakeholder engagement. All STAA members can access Key Data’s intuitive dashboard at a preferred rate. This includes average daily rate (ADR), revenue per available rental (RevPAR), occupancy, booking window, and more than 40 other key performance measures.
Property managers using the Key Data Dashboard can directly access their own portfolio’s data from their property management software, simplifying the process of assessing their performance and comparing it to market benchmarks. Key Data collects and anonymises local market data, along with daily data scraping from prominent online travel agents (OTAs) to deliver the most complete market insights. Sally Henry, VP of Business Development EMEA at Key Data: “We couldn’t be more proud to partner with STAA, who have done so much great work on behalf of their members. We’re looking to support STAA with accurate data to be used for advocacy to help improve standards and drive growth for their members.” “The pace of change in the industry today requires short term rental professionals remain experts in everything from pricing to marketing to owner communications. Founded by short term rental professionals, Key Data understands these challenges. We believe that with great insight, these professionals can make the best decisions for their business.” Louise Birritteri, Director of Research, STAA “We are thrilled to announce our collaboration with Key Data, a renowned leader in our industry. This partnership marks a significant step for the STAA, enabling us to leverage precise and relevant data to enhance our work for our members. As we navigate through the complexities and prospects of 2024, our alliance with Key Data is pivotal. It ensures that the STAA remains at the forefront, equipped with the most current and comprehensive market research.”
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Thank you for your time earlier this year to help complete the Global Short Term Rentals Industry survey on sustainability... With responses from property owners and managers in over 89 global locations, we were able to get a much greater understanding of where the Short-Term Rentals industry is at in terms of sustainability best practice. Download the white paper here Global Short Term Rental Industry ESG Initative | QIA Services
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AN OUTSTANDING SUCCESS FOR SHORT TERM LETTING The 2023 political conference season proved to be an outstanding success for the STAA and short term letting. The STAA team was out in full force, attending not only the national conferences of the Conservative, Liberal Democrat, and Labour parties but also engaging actively at the devolved administration conferences, including the SNP in Aberdeen and the earlier Welsh Labour conference in Llandudno. The team, led by our CEO Andy Fenner and Secretary General Shomik Panda, was joined by board members Carl Thomson and Fiona MacConnacher.
During these conferences, the STAA team seized the opportunity to connect with stakeholders representing diverse political perspectives and worked tirelessly to ensure that the voice of our industry resonated in the right circles. A notable focus during these conferences was the representation of the short-term lets industry, with prominent events hosted by industry leaders. Airbnb hosted a well-attended panel discussion, featuring Steve Rotheram, the mayor of Liverpool City Region, while Booking.com organised an enlightening session on the pivotal role of women in the tech sector. The dedication and hard work invested in these meetings, and lots of weekends in conference halls, paid off. The entire STAA team unanimously agreed that the effort was well worth it, as our industry took significant strides forward. The STAA’s presence at these events not only facilitated constructive dialogues but also reinforced the industry’s commitment to progress and positive change. Our active involvement at every conference underscores our dedication to advancing the interests of our members and industries. The connections made and insights gained during this season will undoubtedly contribute to the continued growth and success of the STAA and its valuable contributions to our industry. We are looking forward to what 2024 will bring!
Board member Carl Thomson meeting Humza Yousaf MSP, Scottish First Minister
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POLICY UPDATES The STAA has kept busy on the policy front over the last few months, with big changes having come into effect in Scotland, and more on the horizon in England and Wales.
SCOTLAND In Scotland, the short-term lets licensing scheme came into force on 1 October 2023. We have engaged with the Scottish Government from day one in an effort to develop a scheme that achieves the government’s objective of regulating our sector while ensuring the scheme is proportionate. While we remain disappointed and perplexed by the legislative outcome in Scotland, we cannot change the fact that the scheme is now in effect. Our focus for the next months will be on constructive engagement - as STAA, we believe there is value in being a trusted partner for Governments, not an adversary, even if we stand strong on our opinions. We met First Minister Humza Yousaf MSP at the SNP Party Conference met with Housing Minister Paul McLennan MSP as well as with officials from the Scottish Government to discuss the implementation
of the scheme and are looking forward to continuing this conversation in the new year, when the Government is due to give an update on licensing implementation. We are also keen to support our members so that they can continue to operate and are aware of the legal obligations placed on them. You can find an overview of the Scottish licensing scheme’s key features on the next page. The licensing scheme is not the only issue keeping us busy in Scotland, as the Government is progressing its plans on the implementation of a visitor levy - we responded to a consultation on this topic in September 2023 and are monitoring the progress of the Visitor Levy (Scotland) Bill through the Scottish Parliament.
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ENGLAND In England, Parliament passed the Levelling Up and Regeneration Act 2023 in October, which provides the legal basis for the establishment of a short-term accommodation registration scheme. However, we are still awaiting the Government’s responses to the consultations on short-term lets registration and a new use class for short-term lets, respectively. We initially expected the responses at the end of 2023 but our engagement with officials at the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) and the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities suggests that a publication in Q1 of 2024 is now looking likely. In the meantime, we have continued to push for our positions on several fronts, including by sending a letter to the DCMS Secretary of State Lucy Frazer MP and Tourism Minister Sir John Whittingdale MP to advocate for a national, mandatory registration scheme (rather than a fragmented one akin to the structure of Scotland’s licensing scheme) and giving evidence to the All Party Parliamentary Group on Hospitality and Tourism as part of their inquiry into short term lets and the visitor economy. We have also written to the new Housing Minister Lee Rowley MP and met with a number of MPs to discuss the issues facing the sector, including with Simon Jupp MP at the Conservative Party Conference in October. We are preparing for the possibility of a change in Government after the next election and have spent
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the last months building out our relationships with the Labour Party. Our CEO Andy Fenner and Director General Shomik Panda attended the Labour Party Conference back in October and met with Sir Keir Starmer earlier this month. In London, Andy and Shomik met with London City Hall to discuss Mayor Sadiq Khan’s call for a licensing scheme in London. We highlighted the crucial contribution our sector makes to London’s economy and its attractiveness as an international tourist destination, and warned against the detrimental effects of a licensing scheme. We emphasised the industry’s willingness to work with City Hall on compliance with existing rules and ended on the constructive note of remaining in regular communication. We will remain in conversation with London City Hall and will update our members if further information on this topic is announced. We also met with officials from Westminster council and discussed proposals they made towards implementing a tourism tax in England and updating the considerate nightly lets charter the council developed in cooperation with the STAA. We continue to drive engagement with local policymakers beyond London, too, having hosted two roundtables in Manchester and Brighton since the resounding success of our first roundtable in Falmouth in July, which was the subject of the last Associate edition. We have received such positive
Andy presented the case for proper registration of the STR sector at a Parliamentary APPG with Fiona
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Andy meeting Sir Keir Starmer at the Labour Conference with the teams from Booking and Airbnb
feedback on these local engagement efforts that we are looking forward to continuing these roundtables, together with local industry networking events, in the new year, starting in Wales - stay tuned for more information.
WALES Speaking of Wales, we continue to monitor the Welsh Government’s progress on the initiatives it has announced over the last year, including licensing for short-term lets and implementing a visitor levy. Andy attended the Welsh Labour Conference in Llandudno to represent our sector and we met with the Welsh Revenue Authority to discuss the progress it has made regarding the visitor levy and flag our continued concerns with the 182-days-let threshold for business rates eligibility that came into force earlier this year. Andy has now joined the newly established Visitor Levy Working Group to ensure that our sector is represented every step of the way. Early in the new year, the Welsh Government confirmed its plans to implement a statutory registration and licensing
scheme for all visitor accommodation, provisionally planned to be fully set up by 2026. The Government has stated its intention to ensure that the scheme is simple and easy to use, and we will engage closely with Tourism Minister Dawn Bowden MS and her officials regarding the design of the scheme over the course of this year. We are also aware that Welsh councils are starting to implement higher council tax premiums on second homes (since April 2023, they have had the powers to impose premiums up to 300%) and continue to flag the impact these changes will have on our sector cumulatively to the Welsh Government. It remains a busy time for the STAA team on all policy fronts, and it is more important than ever that we hear from our members about their most pressing concerns. If you are interested in developing the STAA’s policy positions in more depth, you can do so via our Policy Working Group (email pia.doering@ukstaa.org to join).
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VEEVE AND UNDERTHEDOORMAT GROUP MERGE TO FORM SHORT TERM RENTAL MARKET LEADER Veeve and UnderTheDoormat Group have merged to create one of Europe’s largest and most dynamic end-toend short term rental businesses, positioning it for future expansion. The combined entity will incorporate the largest full-service manager of premium urban short lets in London and Paris, a highly scalable global property management SaaS solution “PMS” (Hospiria) and the first industry platform of its kind to connect accredited short term rental companies with the GDS and corporate travel market (TrustedStays).
Merilee Karr, CEO, UnderTheDoormat Group
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The Group’s technology arms, Hospiria and TrustedStays, continue to break new ground, raising the bar for operational efficiency, integration, connectivity and best practices across the industry. They will spearhead the international growth of the Group, enabling it to expand its full suite of services into new markets and to enhance its offer for all customers. Veeve and UnderTheDoormat’s property management businesses will work together to enhance their offerings to both professional (B2B) property management landlords and individual hosts, with a continued focus on delivering consistently high-quality services to owners and guests alike. From stylish urban apartments to upmarket townhouses, the combined operating business will offer an unparalleled selection of properties in prime locations. Smedvig Capital is leading the investment round, with Second Century Ventures and other UnderTheDoormat Group investors supporting the merger with combined investment of around £4m. Merilee Karr, CEO of UnderTheDoormat Group and Chairperson of the Short Term Accommodation Association will lead the combined group as CEO. The senior leadership team will be comprised of long-standing members of both teams. David Hosking, the current Veeve CEO will be retiring and remaining an advisor to the Group. Veeve Chairman and travel industry titan Carl Michel will join the board along with Smedvig Partner Cristian Young, adding extensive industry and investment expertise. They will provide counsel on the strategic growth of the business and support the combined Group in its exciting new chapter. The Board of Directors of TrustedStays will continue to remain independent of the Group board.
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The company will continue to be headquartered in London and will provide services across the UK, Europe, Middle East, North America and Asia, with core operations in London and Paris. Merilee Karr, CEO of UnderTheDoormat Group, said: “This merger firmly establishes the Group as a European market leader in the rapidly expanding short term rental sector. By joining forces with Veeve, we are combining our strengths across luxury property management and technology to set a new standard for short term rentals. The capabilities of our combined company will enable us to work with customers across the entire short term rental ecosystem and position the Group for significant future growth.” David Hosking, CEO of Veeve, said: “The shared mission to deliver to exceptional standards set both Veeve and UnderTheDoormat Group apart in the short-term rental sector. The capabilities of the combined business present endless possibilities for the future as it enters its next phase of growth. I am excited to remain an investor and support the business as an advisor as I retire to focus on other personal endeavours.” Cristian Young, Partner of Smedvig Capital, the lead investor backing the merger, commented: “We are delighted to be supporting the merger of these two leading and highly complementary short term rental businesses. The combination brings a number of exciting product and revenue synergies that will enhance the customer offering and provide a platform for accelerated growth over the coming years.”
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HOST & STAY ACQUIRES CANTERBURY SHORT-TERM LET COMPANY BLUE FOX RENTALS Host & Stay, the UK’s fastestgrowing family-owned holiday let management company, acquires Blue Fox Rentals, a Canterbury-based short-term let property management company. The merger not only aligns two businesses with shared values and a dedicated commitment to quality, but it also ensures the continued expansion of the Host & Stay portfolio, which now incorporates over 1000 properties.
Blue Fox Rentals, founded by Barbara Beutler in 2016, was established to offer an end-to-end property management solution for the growing marketplace in Canterbury, and the surrounding Kent region. The focus on customer relationships and personal touch to property management, aligned with the Host & Stay team vision. This will allow the Host & Stay Brand to build on the strong foundations and grow in a new and exciting market.
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Barbara Beutler, founder of Blue Fox Rentals, expressed her excitement about the merger: ‘We are excited by the opportunities that the merger with Host & Stay will bring, for our customers, our suppliers, our team and our community in Kent and the wider South East region. Our focus as a company has always been in building a culture of people who really care about delivering 5 star hospitality, excellent customer experience and who go above and beyond to offer a comprehensive and unique service. I know this vision is aligned with Dale’s and so we can’t wait to take the business to the next level by being part of the Host & Stay family.’ Dale Smith, CEO of Host & Stay, shared his enthusiasm: ‘We’re delighted to welcome Blue Fox Rentals to the Host & Stay Group of businesses. We’re excited to be working with Barbara and her team to develop and grow the services available to existing property owners, and to enable the future growth of the portfolio across Kent. Our proven organic growth plans will result in a larger selection of properties for existing Blue Fox and Host & Stay guests, as well as future guests alike. But will also drive increased economic benefit for local independent businesses and communities across the region via our StayLocal programme.’ Since its founding in December 2018, Host & Stay has experienced impressive organic growth, with their property portfolio doubling year on year. Their success lies in their hands-free, end-to-end service,
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from cleaning and maintenance to marketing and guest relations. Host & Stay offers holiday home owners a hasslefree management solution, with an industry leading 10% + VAT management fee and no restrictions on owner bookings. Their mission is to make the UK one of the most popular, guest centric holiday destinations in the world, and this initial acquisition is only the start for Host & Stay. Over the next three years, the company have ambitious plans to grow through additional mergers and acquisitions across the holiday home and short-term rental management industry. Through reinvestment of profits, Host & Stay is poised to scale their operations, enabling them to optimise their capabilities, enhance service offerings, and extend their reach to customers throughout the UK. With a firm commitment to delivering best-in-class services, Host & Stay is positioned to establish a strong foothold in the market and drive sustained growth in the years ahead. Discover hassle-free property management or find your next stay in Canterbury www.hostandstay.co.uk.
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MINUT’S CALL ASSIST: EMPOWERING HOSTS TO FIGHT EXCESSIVE NOISE IN VACATION RENTAL PROPERTIES
In the fast-paced world of the vacation rental industry, fighting excessive noise has become the bane of millions of hosts’ work lives. With increasingly stringent noise disturbance regulations in many regions of the world and unauthorized parties – and the associated costs – on the rise, noise monitoring matters more than ever. This is why we at Minut decided to now launch Call Assist, a unique service providing you with round-the-clock access to phone operators who will reach out to your guests in case of excessive noise – so you can lay back, relax, and let us solve the issue for you.
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AN UNPARALLELED RESPONSE TIME TO ADD AN EXTRA LAYER OF SECURITY TO YOUR VACATION RENTAL Did you know that most noise issues could be solved in under 15 minutes? At Minut, we care about making the hospitality industry a better place for everyone – guests, hosts, and neighbours alike. This means that we provide you with efficient solutions that help you put an end to excessive noise in vacation rental properties before it becomes an issue for the rest of the community. With Call Assist, trained phone operators will call your guests when noise persists despite the alerts to remind them of your property rules and of the importance of respecting the rest of the community. In most cases, this call is enough to put an end to the noise issue and restore peace in your property. THE LUXURY OF A HUMAN RESPONSE TO PROTECT YOUR HOSPITALITY BRAND With most noise issues and complaints in vacation rentals occurring at unsociable hours, many hosts find themselves faced with a dilemma: should they compromise their work-life balance to handle them? Call Assist provides a unique solution to this problem by allowing you to externalize your noise disturbance response. Our operators are trained in friendly conflict resolution and fluent in both English and French. They are available to reach out to guests no matter the country or time zone, thus saving you time, money, and providing you with extra peace of mind. A CARE-BASED SOLUTION FOR ALL PROPERTY MANAGERS AND HOSTS At Minut, we believe in providing you with tools furthering the cause of the entire hospitality industry. With Call Assist, noise issues are not only resolved, but phone operator interventions are also used as a way of reminding guests of the importance of respecting the community and becoming better neighbors and travelers. By embracing new tools and technologies, we can work together to put an end to excessive noise in vacation rental properties and embrace noise regulations to protect communities worldwide. With Call Assist, we seek to empower STR actors to show care to their guests but also to entice travellers to respect their surroundings. After all, care goes both ways.
“ Call assist is a great addition to your home security system. Unfortunately, some guests choose to ignore texts and automated calls. Receiving a personal phone call makes a big difference – and it has already had a big impact on our vacation rental business. We experience less noise disturbance issues, and when we do, they’re solved in just a few minutes.” DEB, CALL ASSIST USER
Members’ Spotlight
“ Since installing our Minut sensors I have seen a huge reduction in noise complaints in general. I never have to worry about contacting guests in the middle of the night again!” TOM, CALL ASSIST USER
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UPCOMING
EVENTS! THE SHORT STAY SUMMIT 2024 24th April London is fast approaching and the Early Bird ticket rate ends on the 31st January 2024, so be sure to book your STAA Members discount ticket now.
NEW FOR 2024: • Mortgage Advice Clinic • Airbnb Tune-up Sessions • Ask The Expert Sessions • Collaboration Sessions – your views matter to us.
OUR THEME FOR 2024 IS: HARNESSING OPPORTUNITIES IN TRAVEL If you are sat at your desk wondering what 2024 will have in store for your short-term rental business, it will be a lot easier to predict if you make a commitment to yourself to get out from your desk, come to the Short Stay Summit and meet your industry face to face. Learn what’s going on from global leaders, ask your burning questions to experts, get involved with collaboration sessions, network with other property owners and managers from across the globe. This isn’t the time to commit to a new gym membership, it’s time to commit to your Business and get your early bird ticket to attend the Short Stay Summit 2024. Get your tickets here!
Join us at the Short Stay Summit on 24 April 2024 at the Old Billingsgate, London! If you are interested in sponsoring or exhibiting, please contact events@ukstaa.org
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2024 TRADE ASSOCIATION AWARDS SHORTLIST! We’re thrilled to announce that the 2023 Short Stay Summit has been nominated for the prestigious ‘Trade Association Event of the Year’ award. This nomination recognizes the Summit’s significant impact on the short-term rental industry, offering innovative insights, fostering sustainability, and promoting responsible tourism. The event facilitated invaluable networking, setting a benchmark in the sector. As excitement builds, don’t forget to book your tickets for the 2024 event here, promising even more enriching experiences and industry-leading discussions. This recognition underscores the Summit’s role as a catalyst for growth and collaboration in the dynamic world of short-term rentals.
NEW FOR 2024 GA-STR SUMMIT LUNCH 23RD APRIL 2024, LONDON Open to all global short term rental association heads, boards members, DMO’s, public affairs, and industry public affairs managers. This networking lunch run by the STAA will be hosted each year by an association with their chosen educational theme, with a relaxed approach to thought leadership and educational sessions over lunch. This years theme is the power of data to make positive changes. Sponsored by
To book your space at the Lunch, please contact events@ukstaa.org
GA-STR Summit Lunch venue, The Coal Shed, One Tower Bridge
REGIONAL EVENTS Following the success of our regional roundtables and networking events last year, stay tuned for details on similar events we are planning to hold this year across London, Wales, the Lake District and North East England.
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GLOBAL ASSOCIATION 12pm – 3pm, London
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SUMMIT 23 APRIL 2024 Book your space: events@ukstaa.org
SAVE THE DATE FOR THE GA-STR SUMMIT LUNCH Sponsored by:
Who is it for? GA-STR Summit Lunch is open to all global short term rental association heads, boards members, DMO’s, public affairs, and industry public affairs managers.
When 23 April 2024 – 12pm-3pm
Venue The Coal Shed London Private Dining Room, 4 Crown Square, This networking lunch will be hosted One Tower Bridge, each year by an association with London, SE1 2SE their chosen educational theme, To host a session or to book your with a relaxed approach to thought place please contact: leadership and educational sessions events@ukstaa.org over lunch. Limited to 40 Guests.
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How the STAA Host Membership Enables Enhanced Hosting Excellence Tailored to individual short-term rental hosts, our Host Membership allows everyone to become part of our community. For a monthly fee of £10, members receive a weekly newsletter providing precise industry updates, flash updates with important developments, and complimentary access to many STAA events, including networking sessions and educational webinars. Additionally, members enjoy exclusive discounts on our marketplace (which will kick off again new and better in the new year) and can showcase the official STAA logo on their websites. Elevate your hosting experience by becoming a member today, and streamline the path to excellence in short-term rentals.
STAA MEMBER MAGAZINE
ISSUE
#03 JANUARY 2024
24
QUARTERLY STAA BOARD MEETING The last STAA Board meeting saw the advancement of several important initiatives, including a new constitution.
After TfL strikes prevented our return to in-person meetings in July, November finally presented the opportunity for the Board to reconnect in person over tea and coffee in the vibrant Vauxhall area of London. The meeting was incredibly productive as the Board ensured alignment of our political engagement with the Association’s overall objectives, discussed how we can continue driving value for our members, and prepared for the upcoming year. Excitingly, the Board was able to adopt two new initiatives that will shape the growth and secure the robustness of the Association for the years to come. Our new partnerships strategy means the STAA will be able to work with others in the industry and beyond to pursue areas of common interest, amplify our voice, and deliver additional benefits for our members. Our new constitution ensures that the STAA follows best practice and has due processes for important aspects of its functioning, including board elections. The consultation will come into force in January 2024, initiating a new chapter for the Association. We are excited to share more information in the coming weeks and months, but in the meantime, please know that your Board is always here for you. Though we meet quarterly, we communicate regularly and work closely together to represent your interests. Your questions and suggestions are always welcome, and we eagerly await your input.
To get in touch with your input please contact ipek.kiran@ukstaa.org
STAA MEMBER MAGAZINE
ISSUE
#03 JANUARY 2024
Ipek is the Marketing and Events Coordinator at STAA. With a background in business and management, she began her career at an Istanbul based marketing agency, successfully leading campaigns in Istanbul’s creative hub. Her expertise includes working with well-known brands, digital marketing and brand development. Now an integral part of the Secretariat, Ipek brings her expertise in marketing and event organization to contribute to the success of the organization.
EXCITING NEWS!
We are pleased to announce that our website is currently undergoing upgrades to enhance your user experience. These changes are specifically designed to facilitate easier access to STAA’s latest industry updates, events, and resources. We anticipate unveiling the refreshed website in the near future.
Staff Spotlight
IPEK KIRAN
25
The Short Term Accommodation Association Supporting the responsible growth of the short-term accommodation industry Industry advice – learn more about the issues affecting your business. Networking – meet fellow people from your industry and beyond. Best practice – how to improve your business and increase profitability. www.ukstaa.org info@ukstaa.org