Short Lets trade body expands after sector comes back from the brink

The Short Term Accommodation Association, a trade body representing suppliers to the Airbnb-style short-term rental sector, has announced four new members.

This brings the total to over 50 which “represents the vast majority of the industry across the UK” according to a statement from the group.

The new joiners are short let management firm Veeve, guest hospitality operator Altido, boutique rental agency Seven Living, and house swap operator LoveHomeSwap.

Merilee Karr, chair of the STAA, says: “Having them all onboard brings even more power to the association’s voice as we tackle the important issues we face as we work towards a full recovery. 

“The last two to three months have seen our industry pull together so that come July 4 [sector re-opening day] we were in a very strong position to reopen safely with new industry-wide cleaning protocols and clarity on what we needed to do to keep guests safe. 

“Without doubt, it’s been a very challenging period but I am confident that we are now a stronger industry and we can look forward to working together and with government to grow this fantastic sector responsibly over the coming years.”

In April the STAA reported that Airbnb and similar platforms had seen a collapse of business since the start of the Coronavirus crisis with some 70 per cent of bookings cancelled at that time.

The STAA’s survey of corporate members at the time revealed that most companies had seen more than 70 per cent of their reservations cancelled, with some losing more than 90 per cent.

The association said most companies had lost more than two thirds of their income and without government support, all companies say they will have to consider making some employees redundant.