Lodgify Lowdown (May ’25): Airbnb Rolls Out Services

Chances are, you’ve heard about Airbnb’s 2025 Summer Release by now—but do you know exactly how it will impact your business? We explore all the specifics in this month’s lowdown, as well as the latest news from Vrbo and Expedia and legislation updates out of British Columbia and Spain.

Let’s dive in!

Airbnb’s 2025 Summer Release: services, experiences, and more

The top news this month is, of course, Airbnb’s 2025 Summer Release, which introduced new features aimed at expanding the platform beyond just accommodations.

The biggest change? Airbnb Services, which lets guests book add-ons like private chefs, spa treatments, and fitness sessions—even if they’re not staying in an Airbnb. Considering that about half of STR guests prefer hotels for activities, Airbnb seems to be trying to shake things up.

While Airbnb Services enhance travelers’ stays, it’s important to note that you won’t earn revenue from these services and can’t offer your own unless you meet strict qualifications.

Airbnb Experiences are also being refreshed, with a focus on social interaction and curated “Airbnb Originals” hosted by celebrities and experts. These immersive activities still can’t be bundled with stays, but they remain a potential extra income stream for hosts.

Finally, the new Airbnb app brings the most direct benefits for hosts. Updates include a Today tab for managing daily tasks, a real-time integrated calendar, and improved tools for listing management. The redesign aims to streamline hosting and is available now through Airbnb’s Early Access program.

Want the full details? Check out our blog.

Vrbo prioritizes accessibility

Accessibility features are essential for travelers with disabilities, but finding properties with them hasn’t always been easy. Vrbo is working on changing that.

The platform has rolled out eight new search filters, allowing travelers to find properties with features like:

• Stair-free entry
• Single-level floorplans
• Accessible parking, paths, and pools
• Handrails
• An entrance map

To help hosts better serve travelers with disabilities, Vrbo has also partnered with accessibility advocate Becoming rentABLE. Together, they’ve developed a 10-minute online course that offers practical tips for improving property accessibility and creating more accurate, inclusive listings.

With demand for accessible travel on the rise, hosts who take small steps to improve inclusivity can tap into a new, underserved audience and boost their booking potential.

Expedia: bringing together trip planning, AI, and Instagram

How do guests find you? Thanks to Expedia’s new AI-powered Trip Matching tool, the answer is more and more likely to be Instagram.

This new tool turns Instagram reels into bookable itineraries, generating personalized trip ideas based on the content travelers view and instantly booking lodging—without ever leaving Instagram’s in-app browser.

Trip Matching is a direct response to evolving booking behavior, but what does it mean for hosts? Our hunch is that social media marketing will become even more important. If you’re not already promoting your vacation rental on Instagram, now might be a good time to start!

Your monthly rules and regulations roundup

B.C. Real Estate Association calls for changes to STR regulations

With summer tourism ramping up, the British Columbia Real Estate Association (BCREA) is urging the province to rethink its short-term rental (STR) regulations. While the current laws aim to free up long-term housing, the BCREA argues that they’re creating unintended consequences for tourism-dependent communities.

The Short-Term Rental Accommodations Act, introduced in 2023, requires most STRs to be a host’s principal residence and limits local governments’ ability to zone for STR use. While municipalities can apply for an exemption, they must prove a 3% rental vacancy rate for two consecutive years—a threshold many haven’t met in decades. This has effectively tied the hands of communities like Parksville, where tourism is vital but long-term housing stock remains limited.

The BCREA is advocating for four key changes:

• Restoring zoning autonomy to local governments
• Broadening exemptions for strata hotels and fractional ownership properties
• Allowing STRs near hospitals for medical travelers
• Providing relief for the film and television sector

The organization stresses that while affordable housing remains a top priority, the province must also protect its tourism economy—especially in regions where hotels are already in short supply. Balancing both needs, they argue, requires a more flexible and targeted regulatory approach.

Learn more about B.C. Airbnb rules.

Spain cracks down on noncompliant STRs

Meanwhile, Spain is cracking down on noncompliant short-term rentals, with nearly 66,000 Airbnb listings ordered for removal across key regions like Madrid, Catalonia, and Andalusia.

The government found that many properties lacked proper licenses, had incorrect registration details, or failed to disclose ownership, violating regional STR laws. Backed by a Madrid court ruling, this move underscores a growing push to address the country’s housing crisis and rein in the effects of mass tourism.

For hosts and property managers, this is a wake-up call: Compliance is no longer optional. As cities like Barcelona move to phase out tourist rentals entirely by 2028, staying informed and aligned with local regulations is critical.

Airbnb plans to appeal, citing its status as a neutral intermediary, but enforcement momentum is building. If you’re operating in Spain, now’s the time to review your licenses, update your listings, and ensure your business is built to last.

See you next time!

What’s in store for June? With peak season beginning for many hosts and summer vacation right around the corner, it’s sure to be another busy month.

Whatever unfolds, we’ll be back to report on it soon!