Industry Leader Predictions for 2026

CEO at Beyond

In 2026, success for short-term rental operators will hinge on the ability to react in real time to market shifts. Operators using advanced revenue management systems and dynamic pricing solutions will be the ones who stay ahead – leveraging automation to capture demand instead of chasing it. As AI becomes more deeply integrated into operations, it will move from being a source of fear to a driver of efficiency, unlocking both time and profit while strengthening transparency with property owners.

We’ll see continued pressure on the value end of the market, but also renewed global travel confidence, especially with major international events like the World Cup driving cross-border demand across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. And as short-term rentals become seamlessly integrated into mainstream booking ecosystems – like Airbnb listings appearing directly in major event ticketing platforms – the industry will solidify its status as a $200B powerhouse, no longer a niche alternative but a defining force in global hospitality.

CRO at Beyond

AI has been the buzzword of 2025, but 2026 will be the year it moves from conference panels to the operational core of the industry. It won’t overhaul the short-term rental industry overnight, but it’s starting to define who scales and who stalls. The gap is no longer about having the newest tools, but about how data flows between them and how intelligently it’s used. Operators who build connected systems, where pricing, guest, and operational data interact seamlessly, will adapt fastest as AI takes on real work: forecasting, anomaly detection, and guest or owner engagement.

As short- and mid-term stays converge due to operating cost considerations ore regulation, interoperability becomes the true differentiator. Consolidation will favour data-rich, process-led operators and strong niche brands, while under-digitised mid-sized players will feel the pressure.

VP of Product at Beyond

In 2026, the best revenue managers won’t compete against AI; they’ll compete with it, using it to elevate strategy, creativity, and connection across every aspect of the short-term rental business.

Instead of reacting to reports, property managers will rely on AI “watchtowers” that spot booking anomalies, demand shifts, and price mismatches in real time, turning insights into instant action.

The flood of data that once overwhelmed operators will finally become clear, actionable guidance. Advanced models will synthesize millions of market, comp-set, and event signals into focused recommendations.

AI will also change how managers communicate, not just calculate. Intelligent agents will draft personalized owner updates, summarize performance trends, and reinforce trust through transparency and speed. Automation will feel more collaborative than ever: conversational, explainable, and built to empower—not replace—human judgment.

Director of Product Marketing at Beyond

In 2026, dynamic pricing isn't your advantage, it's your baseline. The real revenue gains heading into next year will come from everything that happens after you price a property. Enhanced channel distribution and digital marketing will continue to be a space for property managers and hosts to evolve their revenue management practice, reach more guests, fill more property nights, and optimize their business like never before. The challenge will come in execution, as most of their advanced strategies require manual work or advanced technology to effectively deploy.

Director of Revenue Management & Data Science at Beyond

We’ve been watching booking lead times shrink across most markets, and that trend doesn’t seem to be going anywhere. Guests are booking closer to arrival, valuing flexibility over predictability, which means those long, predictable curves of old are gone. High seasons and major events will still perform, but shoulder seasons are softening. As travel budgets tighten, those “melted” weeks between peaks could become the new norm.

Unique properties continue to outperform the pack. If your listing has something special, whether that’s standout design, amenities, or location, pricing it properly matters more than ever. Individual pacing, reviews, and learning algorithms are now the trifecta for success.

At the macro level, demand is steady but not surging. Economic headwinds will likely keep rate growth limited, so managers will need to get creative by testing new levers like distribution channels, fees, or markups.

All signs point to a flat year overall, not bad, but not booming. That means the smartest operators will be looking inward to protect margins. Automation and AI will be huge in helping cut costs and improve efficiency. The challenge, and opportunity, will be finding ways to use AI that make operations smarter without losing the human touch that defines great hospitality.