Short Lets trade body reveals its first chief executive

The UK Short Term Accommodation Association has named a new chief executive. 

Andy Fenner will support STAA chairperson Merilee Karr and director general Shomik Panda.  

The body now claims to represents over 80 per cent of the UK short lets market including the likes of Airbnb and verb, plus home sharing firms and short lets property management companies, as well as some holiday firms. 

Fenner says: “The sharing economy is a lifeline to many communities, more so now than it has ever been, as we tackle the cost of living crisis. People using their homes and second homes as holiday lettings employs thousands of people across the country, both directly and through supporting local businesses. Holiday lettings sustain the economy of many of our rural villages and help keep local business at the heart of our communities. It’s great to have joined an association to help develop and nurture this vital and exciting part of the sharing economy.

“I am honoured to lead the STAA on its next exciting phase. Having been involved in the travel and sharing economy for many years and seen the good it can do for our communities, I want to build on the work the team at the STAA has done and guide the association through its next stage of expansion.”

Merilee Karr adds: “The STAA Board and its members are delighted to have Andy join us as our new CEO.  He has a wealth of experience in the travel and tourism sectors to help us support the responsible growth of short-term accommodation industry in the years ahead. 

“We are at a pivotal moment where our sector is driving UK spending to the tune of £27.7 billion in 2021, providing half a million jobs and supporting hosts during the cost of living crisis.  I look forward to the contribution that Andy will make on our sector and to hosts and communities across the UK.”