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šŸ”„ How to Adapt to Changing Traveler Preferences and Market Demands

Today’s travelers aren’t just booking places—they’re booking experiences. Here’s how hosts can stay flexible, relevant, and in-demand in a market that never stops evolving.

Community Perks with The STR Report

šŸ  Top-Tier Property Management ā€“ Lower fees, higher payouts, and premium service. Built for investors who want performance and peace of mind. See how much more your property could earn—click to get your free performance assessment.

šŸ”Ž Personal Airbnb Investment Finder ā€“ Connect with an expert to handpick profitable Airbnb properties that match your criteria. With 213+ successful deals, all cash-flowing, you’re in good hands. Take 15 seconds to fill out the form to see how all of these properties are experiencing a 10-15% Cash-on-Cash return.

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October 20th, 2025

Good evening STR Report Community!

In today’s issue, you will find:

šŸ“±Today’s Article: šŸ”„ How to Adapt to Changing Traveler Preferences and Market Demands

šŸ“ˆ Trending Market Highlight: Gatlinburg, Tennessee and Leavenworth, Washington

āœ‰ļø STR News: Expedia Group reveals 2026 travel trends in new ā€˜Unpack’ report

šŸ’ø Mortgage Rate Watch

šŸŽØ Unique Airbnb of the Week

šŸ« Subscriber Perks: Go Live Playbook, including: Beginner’s Guide E-Book, Guest Communication Messaging Templates, Airbnb Welcome Guide Template, STR Buy Box Template, & Tax Savings E-Book

āœ… Community Perks: Top-Tier Property Management, Personal Airbnb Investment Finder, and STR Loans & More

šŸ“¬ See our collection of newsletters here: Prior Newsletters

šŸ”„ How to Adapt to Changing Traveler Preferences and Market Demands

If the past few years have taught us anything, it’s that travel trends can flip faster than a pancake on a Sunday morning. One minute, everyone’s chasing urban getaways; the next, they’re seeking quiet cabins with a side of mountain air. For short-term rental hosts, adapting isn’t optional—it’s essential.

But here’s the good news: change creates opportunity. When you stay tuned in to what travelers want, you don’t just survive market shifts—you thrive in them.

Are You Ready GIF by Best in Miniature

šŸŒŽ 1. Follow the ā€œWhy,ā€ Not Just the ā€œWhereā€

Travelers are now motivated by purpose more than place. Some want remote work escapes, others crave wellness retreats or family reconnections. Understanding why guests travel helps you tailor your listing—think cozy work nooks for digital nomads or spa-inspired touches for relaxation seekers.

🧠 2. Watch the Data (and the DMs)

Your guests are your best trend forecasters. Pay attention to booking patterns, reviews, and even casual messages. Are guests asking about EV chargers, pet-friendly policies, or sustainable products? Those hints are future market demands waving at you in real time.

šŸ›‹ļø 3. Update Your Space Seasonally

What felt trendy two years ago might feel tired now. A few affordable updates—new linens, better lighting, or fresh decor—can completely re-energize your listing photos. Even rotating local art or themed dĆ©cor (hello, ā€œAutumn Escapeā€!) keeps your space exciting and relevant.

šŸ’¬ 4. Refine Your Story

Travelers connect with stories, not specs. Update your listing description to reflect evolving guest interests—highlight unique experiences like local food tours, hiking trails, or family-friendly amenities. Make it sound like the adventure they’ve been waiting for.

🧭 5. Stay Curious

Join host forums, read travel blogs, and browse what top listings in your area are doing. The best hosts never stop learning—they treat the business like a living, evolving ecosystem.

Final Thought:
Traveler preferences will keep changing—but that’s the fun part! Every shift is a chance to reinvent your guest experience and attract new audiences. When you stay flexible, creative, and guest-centered, you don’t just keep up—you lead the way.

Because in hospitality, adaptation isn’t just survival—it’s your secret superpower. šŸ’«

Gatlinburg, Tennessee🪵

Downloadable Gatlinburg, Tennessee Short-Term Rental Market Report

Gatlinburg STR Market Report.pdf2.78 MB • PDF File
  • Average Daily Rate (ADR): $367 per night

  • Occupancy Rate: 62.73%

  • Annual Revenue Potential: Around $101,946 per year

Read our full Gatlinburg, Tennessee Short-Term Rental Market Report attached above.

Leavenworth, Washington🌲

Downloadable Leavenworth, Washington Short-Term Rental Market Report

Leavenworth STR Market Report.pdf1.29 MB • PDF File
  • Average Daily Rate (ADR): $430.36 per night

  • Occupancy Rate: 54.47%

  • Annual Revenue Potential: Around $102,199 per year

Read our full Leavenworth, Washington Short-Term Rental Market Report attached above.

šŸ“¬ See our collection of 120+ market reports here: Prior Trending Market Reports

šŸ” Airbnb Creates Arizona Political Organization While National Efforts Expand
As local governments increasingly look to regulate the short-term rental industry, Airbnb is fighting back by increasing its lobbying efforts and getting involved in political races.

šŸ“±Expedia Group reveals 2026 travel trends in new ā€˜Unpack’ report
Expedia Group has unveiled Unpack ’26: The Trends in Travel, its latest annual report highlighting the key shifts shaping global tourism next year.

šŸ¦ 73% of property managers cite staffing and revenue strain for 2026
Short-term rental analytics company Key Data has published its Vacation Rental Industry Outlook 2026, revealing that operations, staffing, and revenue pressures remain the top challenges for property managers heading into the new year.

šŸ’øMortgage Rate Watch – October 20th, 2025

Current Mortgage Rates (as of October 20, 2025):

  • 30-Year Fixed: 6.23% (+0.00%)

  • 15-Year Fixed: 5.81% (+0.01%)

  • 30-Year Jumbo: 6.20% (+0.00%)

  • 30-Year FHA: 5.99% (+0.01%)

  • 30-Year VA: 6.01% (+0.02%)

  • 7/6 SOFR ARM: 5.70% (-0.01%)

Market Overview: Mortgage rates held largely unchanged today, with the 30-year fixed rate steady at 6.23%. The bond market remains the main driver of rate movement, and with no major economic data releases on the calendar, lender quotes are seeing very little net change.

Rate Trends & Forecast:

  • Short-Term: Expect mortgage rates to remain in a tight range unless unexpected economic news shifts Treasury yields. With limited catalysts ahead, volatility may stay low.

  • Long-Term: Slight downward drift is possible if inflation continues to ease, but meaningful rate declines seem unlikely without a noticeable shift in bond markets or Fed policy.

    For real-time mortgage rate updates, visit Mortgage News Daily.

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Subscriber Perks:

šŸ“–šŸ”šŸ’° Go Live Playbook

The "Go Live Playbook" is your all-in-one guide featuring a beginner’s guide e-book, messaging templates, Airbnb welcome book, STR buy box template, and tax savings tips to kickstart your short-term rental success.

Community Perks with The STR Report

šŸ  Top-Tier Property Management ā€“ Lower fees, higher payouts, and premium service. Built for investors who want performance and peace of mind. See how much more your property could earn—click to get your free performance assessment.

šŸ”Ž Personal Airbnb Investment Finder ā€“ Connect with an expert to handpick profitable Airbnb properties that match your criteria. With 213+ successful deals, all cash-flowing, you’re in good hands. Take 15 seconds to fill out the form to see how all of these properties are experiencing a 10-15% Cash-on-Cash return.

šŸ¤‘ STR Loans & More – Need funding for your next short-term rental? Expect expert guidance, personalized service, and the best possible rates.

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