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New Airbnb US rival Vacatia starts commission trial
Lee Hayhurst
lee.hayhurst@travelweekly.co.uk
UK agents have been invited to register interest in a pilot commission scheme from a new US-based family accommodation provider hoping to rival Airbnb.
Vacatia was launched in
November by a team of executives from the hospitality, technology and digital retail start-up sectors.
It brings thousands of
properties in professionally managed resorts to the holiday market for the first time. Vacatia estimates there are
1,500 such resorts in the US and more than 5,000 globally. Mike Janes, chief marketing
officer, said: “We are already receiving many requests from international guests wanting to holiday in the US, and from agents who have discovered us. “Our plan is to start a commission
HAWAII: Honua Kai Resort & Spa is one of 180 resorts on offer
programme with a select few agents.” At the launch, Vacatia offered South Carolina (Myrtle Beach), Orlando and Maui, and has since expanded across Hawaii. Phoenix (Scottsdale) was added
last week, to be followed by the Florida panhandle (Destin, Panama City, Pensacola) this week. This
will bring the number of resorts to more than 180 and the firm said it plans to add up to two destinations a month, including in Europe. Vacatia’s marketplace is seen as
an alternative to the growing home rentals trend pioneered by the likes of Airbnb and HomeAway, but offering hotel-standard service. Chief executive Caroline Shin said the concept was aimed at “chief vacation officers” – often mum – who want the amenities and private space they enjoy at home. “There has not ever been a
focused place for these listings to be shown and merchandised,” she said. “Vacation rentals are surging like crazy. More and more leisure travellers, and especially families, are wanting ‘non-hotel’ accommodation.” Agents who would like to find
out more should email:
josh@vacatia.com
18 February 2016
travelweekly.co.uk 25
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