It didn’t need to be fancy. Shelter was enough. A meal was a bonus, but what mattered most was a safe place to sleep.
For thousands of years, we’ve shared space in every form: caves, barns, chalets, rooms, even whole buildings.
This idea came long before Hilton, Marriott, or the big hotel chains. Long before Airbnb.
Why did it work? Trust.
It has always been about trust. And while that idea feels simple, it is also fragile. In today’s market, regulation, consolidation, and new technology constantly put it to the test.
That is why Simon chose to begin the very first episode of STR Global Unlocked with this theme. His reflections on the origins of short-term rentals, and why trust remains the essential ingredient, inspired this week’s newsletter.
STR Global Unlocked Podcast | Episode 1
KICKING OFF WITH SIMON LEHMANN
In the premiere episode, Simon doesn’t just look back at where STR came from. He challenges us to think about where it’s heading.
He talks about the forces reshaping the industry right now; the kind you can feel, but that few name out loud. Pressure from platforms. Tighter rules from cities. Rising expectations from guests.
The question running through it all: can trust survive? And if it can, what will it take to protect it?
“Trust is the most important asset we have in this industry. And sometimes, that trust is very fragile.”
In this first episode, Simon opens up about the fault lines that will define STR’s future:
Why regulation is existential, not optional, and what happens if you ignore it
The pressures squeezing operators, and how to fight back
Why owners, not managers, decide guest outcomes
How tech consolidation creates an “innovation tax”
Why trust, safety, and reliable operations remain the ultimate differentiator
🎧 This week's episode of STR Global Unlocked inspired this issue.
Watch our first episode here:
Key STR Trends
INDUSTRY CHECK-IN
The short-term rental industry keeps moving fast, and it pays to stay informed. That is why we created “Industry Check-In,” a space to share insights and research worth your time.
Today we bring you a study from Mordor Intelligence Research & Advisory. It projects the STR and vacation rental market will reach $222 billion by 2030.
What is fueling this growth? Who are the players shaping it? And how should you be preparing today?
Weekly News
WORTH A READ
Want to dive deeper into the industry? Each issue we share facts, news, and tech updates worth your attention.
Airbnb’s Everything App
Brian Chesky sees the platform evolving into an “everything app”.
Greek’s Confusing Rules
New STR regulations are in place, but no one seems to understand them.
US’s Underground Listings
Murky regulation is pushing hosts off the grid and creating unintended consequences.
CLOSING THOUGHTS
This is just the beginning. STR Global Unlocked will keep bringing you the conversations and insights that matter most for our industry.
Each week, we’ll cut through the noise with honest perspectives and expert voices to help you stay ahead.
Until next time, keep learning, keep growing, and remember you’re not alone in this industry. We’re here unlocking it together.
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