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Menu Tiger Launches QR Code-Based Minibars for Airbnbs, Elevating Guest Convenience to Hotel Standards

Menu Tiger Launches QR Code-Based Minibars for Airbnbs, Elevating Guest Convenience to Hotel Standards

Globe and Mail16-05-2025
A new wave of innovation is transforming short-term rentals, as tech-enabled minibars bring hotel-style convenience to Airbnb guests. Leveraging digital tools like MENU TIGER's menu QR code ordering system, this modern amenity gives hosts a unique edge in the competitive hospitality market.
With over 8 million active listings on Airbnb and more than 2 billion guest arrivals globally, the demand for enhanced guest experience continues to rise. While short-term rentals offer unique and local experiences, many travellers still desire the reliability and convenience of hotel-style services, particularly regarding food and beverage options.
Enter the menu QR code for minibar—a streamlined, self-serve amenity that lets Airbnb hosts offer curated snacks, drinks, and local treats, available for instant purchase via a simple scan. Using MENU TIGER's integrated ordering platform, these minibars feature smart inventory tracking and seamless digital payments, allowing for real-time restocking and a hassle-free experience for both guests and hosts.
'Guests and travelers today expect more than just a clean space to sleep. They want thoughtful, accessible amenities,' said Benjamin Claeys, CEO at MENU TIGER. 'With QR-powered minibars, hosts can deliver just that while generating new income streams with minimal effort.'
Industry data supports the opportunity: annually, hotel minibars generate up to $152 per available room, or $2 to $3 in Sales Per Occupied Room (SPOR), and 57% of Airbnb guests say they are willing to pay extra for personalized services, such as in-room snacks and beverages. For hosts, this translates to higher ratings, more repeat bookings, and a competitive edge to pull over other visitors effortlessly.
Unlike traditional hotel minibars, a minibar for Airbnbs focuses on quality, local partnerships, and personalization. A case study by Spirit Amenities found that properties offering upgraded in-room amenities saw guest satisfaction scores rise by 22%.
This is because modern travelers expect more than a clean sleep place. They're looking for thoughtful touches, seamless amenities, and immediate access to what they need after a long journey or during a relaxing getaway. Recognizing this shift, minibars for short-rentals and Airbnbs offer hosts an innovative service that brings professionally curated minibars with beverages, snacks, and local products available for purchase instantly with just a scan. The result is a premium, hotel-style experience that enhances guest satisfaction and boosts revenue for the business.
The setup is simple and scalable. Digital menus can be updated in real-time, and hosts can monitor inventory levels through MENU TIGER's platform. The result is a passive income model that blends operational efficiency with elevated guest service.
Even more compelling is the low barrier to entry for hosts. Unlike large-scale operations, these minibar setups require minimal upfront investment and offer quick returns. Digital menus can be updated in real time, and inventory can be tracked with simple software like MENU TIGER. It's a scalable model that blends passive income with premium service.
As the short-term rental market evolves, innovations like QR code-based minibars are redefining hospitality. 'This is more than a trend—it's a shift toward Airbnb properties functioning as full-service, tech-enabled micro-hotels,' added Claeys.
The future of short-term rentals is personalized, connected, and just a scan away.
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(In thousands, except share amounts and per share data) Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30, 2025 2024 2025 2024 Revenues $ 1,308,877 $ 1,295,244 $ 2,263,783 $ 2,238,298 Commissions and other agent-related costs 1,216,223 1,197,668 2,094,994 2,062,414 General and administrative expenses 74,076 61,160 140,947 123,742 Technology and development expenses 18,093 14,848 34,898 29,609 Sales and marketing expenses 2,861 3,031 5,696 6,170 Litigation contingency - - - 16,000 Total operating expenses 1,311,253 1,276,707 2,276,535 2,237,935 Operating (loss) income (2,376) 18,537 (12,752) 363 Other (income) expense Other (income) expense, net (760) (1,749) (1,703) (2,937) Equity in (income) losses of unconsolidated affiliates 207 374 127 523 Total other (income) expense, net (553) (1,375) (1,576) (2,414) (Loss) income before income tax expense (1,823) 19,912 (11,176) 2,777 Income tax (benefit) expense 468 8,146 2,139 4,841 Net (loss) income from continuing operations (2,291) 11,766 (13,315) (2,064) Net (loss) income from discontinued operations - 617 - (1,192) Net (loss) income $ (2,291) $ 12,383 $ (13,315) $ (3,256) Earnings (loss) per share Basic, net (loss) income from continuing operations $ (0.01) $ 0.08 $ (0.09) $ (0.01) Basic, net (loss) income from discontinued operations - - - (0.01) Basic, net (loss) income $ (0.01) $ 0.08 $ (0.09) $ (0.02) Diluted, net (loss) income from continuing operations $ (0.01) $ 0.08 $ (0.09) $ (0.01) Diluted, net (loss) income from discontinued operations - - - (0.01) Diluted, net (loss) income $ (0.01) $ 0.08 $ (0.09) $ (0.02) Weighted average shares outstanding Basic 156,091,692 153,580,879 155,418,668 154,160,607 Diluted 156,091,692 155,984,147 155,418,668 154,160,607 (In thousands, except share amounts) June 30, 2025 December 31, 2024 ASSETS CURRENT ASSETS Cash and cash equivalents $ 94,551 $ 113,607 Restricted cash 90,383 54,981 Accounts receivable, net of allowance for credit losses of $2,271 and $1,589, respectively 146,193 87,692 Prepaids and other assets 13,830 11,692 TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS 344,957 267,972 Property, plant, and equipment, net 13,434 11,615 Other noncurrent assets 22,075 11,679 Intangible assets, net 5,338 6,456 Deferred tax assets, net 77,557 75,774 Goodwill 17,885 17,226 TOTAL ASSETS $ 481,246 $ 390,722 LIABILITIES AND EQUITY CURRENT LIABILITIES Accounts payable $ 11,286 $ 10,478 Customer deposits 90,004 55,660 Accrued expenses 144,576 85,661 Litigation contingency 17,000 34,000 Other current liabilities 14 54 TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES 262,880 185,853 TOTAL LIABILITIES 262,880 185,853 EQUITY Common Stock, $0.00001 par value 900,000,000 shares authorized; 201,449,583 issued and 157,232,312 outstanding at June 30, 2025; 195,028,207 issued and 154,133,385 outstanding at December 31, 2024 2 2 Additional paid-in capital 1,031,660 962,758 Treasury stock, at cost: 44,217,271 and 40,894,822 shares held, respectively (716,549) (686,680) Accumulated deficit (96,723) (68,135) Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) (24) (3,076) TOTAL EQUITY 218,366 204,869 TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY $ 481,246 $ 390,722 EXP WORLD HOLDINGS, INC. (In thousands) Six Months Ended June 30, 2025 2024 OPERATING ACTIVITIES Net (loss) income $ (13,315) $ (3,256) Reconciliation of net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities: Depreciation expense 3,532 3,950 Amortization expense - intangible assets 1,301 1,413 Allowance for credit losses on receivables/bad debt on receivables 682 (677) Equity in (income) loss of unconsolidated affiliates 127 523 Agent growth incentive stock-based compensation expense 17,734 18,157 Stock option compensation 3,454 3,975 Agent equity stock-based compensation expense 47,559 56,456 Deferred income taxes, net (1,783) 2,337 Changes in operating assets and liabilities: Accounts receivable (58,033) (48,871) Prepaids and other assets (2,138) 1,841 Customer deposits 34,344 41,946 Accounts payable 808 2,741 Accrued expenses 58,694 35,243 Litigation contingency (17,000) 16,000 Other operating activities (40) 23 NET CASH PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES 75,926 131,801 INVESTING ACTIVITIES Purchases of property and equipment (5,351) (2,772) Purchase of business (3,150) Investments in unconsolidated affiliates (11,673) (3,938) Capitalized software development costs in intangible assets (183) (509) NET CASH USED IN INVESTING ACTIVITIES (17,207) (10,369) FINANCING ACTIVITIES Repurchase of common stock (29,869) (81,266) Proceeds from exercise of options 376 1,052 Transactions with noncontrolling interests - (1,169) Dividends declared and paid (15,273) (15,075) NET CASH USED IN FINANCING ACTIVITIES (44,766) (96,458) Effect of changes in exchange rates on cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash 2,393 (1,346) Net change in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash 16,346 23,628 Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, beginning balance 168,588 169,893 CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS AND RESTRICTED CASH, ENDING BALANCE $ 184,934 $ 193,521 SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH FLOWS INFORMATION: Cash paid for income taxes 2,014 1,542 SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF NON-CASH INVESTING AND FINANCING ACTIVITIES: Property and equipment purchases in accounts payable 161 - A photo accompanying this announcement is available at

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