Industry Headlines & Global Platform Trends
Airbnb
Airbnb rolled out major policy changes in October 2025, including new cancellation policies—introducing “Firm” and “Limited” options and a 24-hour free cancellation window to boost guest confidence (Rentalscaleup ShortTermRentalz Rentalscaleup).
Airbnb Service Fee Update (October 25, 2025)
The latest service fee structure now requires most hosts—especially those using property management software—to pay a single host fee of 15.5% (16% for Brazil), replacing the traditional split model (Airbnb Help Center).
Guests pay a service fee of 14.1% to 16.5% of the booking subtotal, adjusted for currency and stay length.
Service and Experience bookings carry separate 15% and 20% fees. VAT may apply (Airbnb Help Center).
These changes emphasize transparent, streamlined host and guest costs, aligned with platform updates and compliance requirements.
VRBO
VRBO introduced strict host cancellation penalties (October 2025), including full penalties and listing suspension for hosts not providing guest access. VRBO also automates refunds for guests denied entry (VRBO News Facebook Policy Update Facebook VRBO Update).
Guesty’s improved VRBO API syncing supports multi-channel managers (Guesty New Releases).
Booking.com expanded pre-booking messaging, multi-calendar tools, and AI-powered listing optimization via Guesty updates, giving managers easier guest engagement and improved channel automation (Guesty New Releases).
Guesty
Guesty introduced automation, AI-generated content, enhanced payment logic, and the Guesty Shield liability cover in its latest platform refresh (Guesty New Releases).
East Africa & Regulatory Watch
Kenya & Regional Developments
It's speculated that Kenyan regulators are watching the EU’s new short-term rental rules as possible templates for host registration, listing limits, and data sharing (Streamlinefeed).
Rapid investment continues across Kenya and Tanzania’s coast lines, with Diani, Malindi, Watamu and Zanzibar highlighted as hot spots (Diaspora Messenger Kenyan Wallstreet Erets Group).
Kenya’s Finance Act 2025 has enabled KRA to begin taxing foreign platforms such as Airbnb and Booking.com, signaling stricter oversight for STR income (Streamlinefeed KRA).
Recommendations: Navigating Airbnb’s New Management Fees
Review Pricing Models: Adjust nightly rates and fees to ensure the new 15.5% host fee is covered, maintaining profitability (Airbnb Help Center).
Communicate Clearly: Update guest messaging and owner statements to explain any price changes due to fee adjustments.
Diversify Platforms: Compare VRBO and Booking.com for alternative fee structures and explore new distribution strategies.
Promote Longer Stays: Consider targeting bookings over 28 nights, which may have lower guest fees for better margins.
Ensure Compliance: Register properties and comply with Kenyan regulatory requirements to avoid penalties (Kenya Times).
Market & Platform Insights
Africa’s STR market grew 25% year-on-year through 2024 (Hotel News Resource).
Regulatory and fee changes are shifting the landscape—property managers who adapt quickly will remain competitive in an increasingly professional sector.
Sources & Further Reading
Airbnb Service Fee Notification (Oct 25, 2025)
Rentalscaleup—Airbnb Cancellation Update
ShortTermRentalz—Airbnb Cancels Strict Policy
Rentalscaleup—New Airbnb Rules
Diaspora Messenger—East Africa Coast Investment
Kenya Times—STR Regulation News
Kenya News—TRA Streamlining Airbnbs
Hotel News Resource—Market Analytics