Vrbo and booking.com support new short stay accommodation summit in London

September event will be the first in the US and European sectors for 18 months

A new conference for the international holiday rentals and short stay accommodation sector will take place in London in September.

The Short Stay Summit will take place at the Tobacco Dock on September 14 sponsored by Vrbo, the Expedia brand formerly known as HomeAway and booking.com.

The event is being jointly organised by the European Holiday Home Association (EHHA), the UK Short Term Accommodation Association (STAA) and the Vacation Rental Management Association (VRMA).

Organisers say it will provide a platform for operators in the European and North American short-term rental sectors to meet for the first time in 18 months.

Other sponsors include Homes & Villas by Marriott International, Awaze, Rentals United, UnderTheDoormat and Breezeway.

Delegates are promised high profile industry leaders will be speaking at the event as well as an “impressive educational component that will enable delegates to expand their networks, exchange best practices and learn about the newest products and services available on the market”.

Merilee Karr, chair of the STAA and chief executive of UnderTheDoormat, said: “It is hugely exciting to have partnered with the EHHA and VRMA to bring together the international short term rentals industry in person for the first time in 18 months.

“We have much to celebrate in our industry as we emerge from the pandemic stronger than ever.

“This will be a great opportunity for us to show our unbridled passion for innovation and our embrace of technology to help our customers have the best possible experiences and underpin further growth in our sector.

“Changing customer preferences means that we are better placed than ever to be a major force in the international tourism, holiday, short breaks and hospitality markets. I can’t wait for September when the whole industry will be together to focus on our future growth.”

Carlos Villaro Lassen, secretary-general of the EHHA, added: “We are really excited for the short-term rental industry to meet again in person.

“Under the restrictions of lockdown, we have suffered severely but, as an industry, we are more than ready for a comeback that will result in a stronger and more professional short-term rental sector.

“The EHHA is proud to stand side-by-side with the STAA and the VRMA to celebrate our fantastic Industry at this important summit – by the industry for the industry.”

Toby Babich, president of VRMA and Breckenridge Resort Managers, said: “To be able to announce this event is a really positive sign that our industry is geared up and ready to continue its growth and development.

“It’s fantastic to be working closely alongside the STAA and EHHA in partnership to make this summit a high value event for our industry.

“Through the collaboration not just in September but for years to come, I can only see our sector becoming stronger and companies within it thriving.”