In this episode of the Boostly Podcast, I joined the Stay Direct monthly meet-up to talk about where AI is really heading in the short-term rental industry, and what hosts, property managers and direct booking businesses should be paying attention to right now.
Skool Group - https://www.skool.com/drive-direct-bookings-for-strs-5526
This was a thorough deep dive into AI, WordPress, PMS platforms, direct-booking websites, guest communication, content, search, community, and the future of hospitality tech.
Big shoutout to Stay Direct for inviting me into their monthly session and for leading such a strong conversation around what is changing in the industry.
We also mentioned and discussed:
Graeme from Forge, and the work they are doing with AI agents
Neely Khan, and the importance of storytelling and being chosen, not just discovered
Richard Vaughton
Boris from Onseason
Gil from Crafted Stays
Gareth, who joined the discussion around AI search and discovery
Gareth's Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/ACoAABnNNhwBMQ1NDdjPM8JO3TjGvDSe0NZB50c?skipRedirect=true
Guesty, and how PMS platforms are moving into AI
Hospitable, including an example of a host using AI to find booking opportunities
Claude, ChatGPT, Perplexity, OpenClaw, Lovable, Replit, HubSpot and other AI tools are changing how operators work
The main message from the session is simple:
AI is not here to replace your story, your brand, or your relationships.