Latest news with #Vrbo
Skift
3 hours ago
- Business
- Skift
Blending Hotels and Rentals: Dart's Bet for Group Travel at Scale
Skift Podcast Compelling discussions with travel industry leaders and creatives who are helping to shape the future of travel. Compelling discussions with travel industry leaders and creatives who are helping to shape the future of travel. Learn More As the line between short-term rentals and hotels continues to blur, Dart Interests is betting that the next generation of resorts won't choose sides. In a new episode of the Skift Travel Podcast, Skift CEO Rafat Ali sat down with Dart President Chris Kelsey to explore the company's $2.5 billion flagship project—Evermore Orlando—and a bold vision for hybrid, group-first hospitality. Located next to Walt Disney World, Evermore is different than many other resorts in the market: a master-planned destination that combines luxury vacation homes with traditional hotel rooms, all managed under one umbrella and anchored by a 433-room Conrad. The idea, according to Kelsey, is to solve the pain points of both legacy hotels and short-term rentals while meeting the needs of modern families and multigenerational travelers. 'We didn't want to retrofit homes into hospitality,' Kelsey said. 'We designed everything from the ground up for this exact use case—groups, gatherings, and consistent hotel-level service.' Listen to This Podcast Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube | RSS Bridging the Gap Between Hotels and Rentals At the core of Evermore's model is what Kelsey calls 'residential hospitality.' Unlike Airbnb or Vrbo, none of the homes are privately owned or inconsistently managed. All units—from 2-bedroom flats to 11-bedroom homes—are owned, operated, and serviced by Dart Interests, offering the scale of vacation rentals with the standards and loyalty benefits of a hotel. That alignment with Hilton Honors is a key differentiator. Evermore is the first property where Hilton has integrated non-traditional units—like villas and vacation homes—into its global loyalty ecosystem. 'You can now book an 8-bedroom house with Hilton points,' Kelsey said. 'That's transformational, not just for us, but for travelers who are looking for more space without giving up quality or perks.' An 'Anti-Theme Park' Philosophy While Evermore sits next to one of the busiest tourist corridors in the U.S., Dart intentionally designed it as a counterpoint to the high-energy, high-saturation theme park experience. 'Everything in Orlando goes fast, flashes lights, or tries to entertain you,' Kelsey said. 'We wanted the opposite—calm, open spaces, human-scale architecture, and intentional landscaping that helps people decompress.' That focus has helped Evermore attract not only park-goers but also destination weddings, reunions, and corporate retreats. The crown jewel is an eight-acre crystalline lagoon that serves as both centerpiece and recreational hub, surrounded by event venues, cabanas, and casual dining. Rethinking Food, Labor, and Landscape Dart Interests is also challenging conventional resort operations. After encountering difficulties running 13 food and beverage outlets in-house, the company partnered with Chicago-based Lettuce Entertain You to bring culinary expertise and brand consistency to the portfolio. Landscaping and maintenance have also been rethought from scratch. With more than 1,000 acres under management, Dart has internalized many traditionally outsourced services to ensure long-term quality and cost control. And on the labor side, Kelsey emphasized Dart's investment in building a stable, full-time workforce rather than relying on contractors or gig labor. 'Hospitality isn't just about the physical product—it's the people delivering the experience every day,' he said. Building for the Long Game Unlike many resort developers chasing yield and flipping assets, Dart is taking a long-term ownership view. Kelsey says the firm's privately held structure allows it to prioritize brand equity, operational resilience, and guest satisfaction over short-term gains. 'What we're building with Evermore is not meant to be sold in five years,' he said. 'It's a forever asset—and that changes how you design, staff, and operate.' Looking ahead, Dart is exploring expansion into mountain, lake, and coastal markets, using the Evermore playbook to serve group and family travelers often underserved by traditional hotels or vacation homes. But Kelsey is clear: this isn't about scaling fast. It's about scaling right. 'We don't want to copy and paste Evermore,' he said. 'We want each location to feel grounded, local, and thoughtfully built for how people actually travel—and stay—today.'
Yahoo
a day ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Expedia Group, Inc. (EXPE) Earns Analyst Attention Following Trip Matching Launch
Expedia Group, Inc. (NASDAQ:EXPE), considered a cheaply priced stock and a top pick among analysts, is included in our list of the . Photo by Kamila Maciejewska on Unsplash With its entry into AI-driven, social-first travel planning, Expedia Group, Inc. (NASDAQ:EXPE) is gaining popularity not only among users but also investors. Trip Matching, which Expedia Group, Inc. (NASDAQ:EXPE) launched on June 12, 2025, is an innovative feature that allows U.S. travelers to turn Instagram reels into bookable itineraries. The users, upon sharing a reel with Expedia, receive the platform's AI-generated replies with customized ideas, recommendations, and travel tips, which are all ready to book. This feature is promising for the company's growth, driven by the fact that 80% of millennials use social media for trip inspiration. Weeks later, Morgan Stanley increased its price target on Expedia Group, Inc. (NASDAQ:EXPE) from $150 to $165 on July 21, 2025. Maintaining an 'Equal Weight' rating, the analyst cited a positive macro environment and eased China tariffs. With brands like Brand Expedia, Vrbo, Orbitz, Travelocity, and Expedia Group, Inc. (NASDAQ:EXPE) operates as a global online travel company. It is included in our list of cheap travel stocks. While we acknowledge the potential of EXPE as an investment, we believe certain AI stocks offer greater upside potential and carry less downside risk. If you're looking for an extremely undervalued AI stock that also stands to benefit significantly from Trump-era tariffs and the onshoring trend, see our free report on the best short-term AI stock. READ NEXT: 14 Cheap Transportation Stocks to Buy According to Analysts and 10 Cheap Lithium Stocks to Buy According to Hedge Funds. Disclosure: None. Sign in to access your portfolio
Hamilton Spectator
2 days ago
- Hamilton Spectator
Planning a cottage getaway? Essential supplies and last-minute checks for your August long weekend trip
If you are one of many families heading out camping or cottaging for the Civic holiday, there's a few extra things you might want to keep in mind. Celebrated on the first Monday of August the civic holiday is a public holiday in Ontario, but it is not a federally mandated statutory holiday across the country. According to Vrbo , Canadians are embracing local travel, with shorter stays and domestic destinations on the rise. Places like Kawartha Lakes offers great rates and are perfect for families, Vrbo spokesperson Kyla Moore told Metroland Media. So as you grab sunscreen, towels and bug spray, here are a few extra things you will also have to consider prior to arrival. There's a lot of meal planning ahead of time to ensure no one goes hungry over the course of your visit. If you are renting an Airbnb or Vrbo spot, ensure you consult with the owners about what oils, spices and condiments might be available. It can make packing a bit lighter if you don't have to bring your own salt and pepper. And you'll also want to consider what your crowd will eat upon arrival. Whether it's lunch or dinner, family members are likely to feel a bit snackish when you arrive. Plan to have something you can throw together quickly, like a charcuterie board of crackers, cheeses, meat, and fruit, school snacks or burgers and hot dogs. Whether you are right on the lake or just nearby, know if there's a sandy beach entry or rocky, dock-only entry. This could make a difference when planning if life jackets or floating devices need to be on all the time, and how much supervision young children may need. It's not always something you consider when you're ready to have fun, but ensure you plan ahead for what to do in an emergency. Is there good cellular service and Wi-Fi? Can you provide directions to the property? Inquire where the closest hospital and fire station are, in case you need that information. And learn if there's a fire extinguisher on site. And what would you do if there is a power outage? Summer storms can leave renters and campers without electricity for some time, so it's good to have a backup plan for eating and charging devices. For cooking on outdoor campfires, some municipalities may have fire bans in place, so you should also be advised of that ahead of time. That's even if the property has a fire pit. And if your property is not on level ground, having rocks or uneven terrain can be challenging for those with mobility issues from accessing all areas of the site, so consider fall prevention measures. Uneven ground may also lead to cuts and scrapes with little ones, so bring along a first aid kit with plenty of bandages. You also want to include some tweezers in case anyone gets a sliver from sticks or wood in the area. Booking a vacation rental can be easy when most of the necessities are already provided. 'Essentials like extra sheets and towels are often included and handy amenities — such as a washer and dryer — make it easier to pack light,' Moore said. Things like a hair dryer, iron, blender, rice cooker, air fryer and slow cooker may also be included in the rental. If it's going to be hot, you'll want to know if there's air conditioning, or if you need to have ways to cool down. And if you're travelling with your pet, you will want to know if it's pet friendly, and if it's fenced off. 'Vrbo recommends reaching out to your host if you're unsure what's provided and checking guest reviews for firsthand insights.' It's also good to know in advance where you're supposed to dry wet towels and swimsuits. Some places have railings or laundry lines to hang them on, while other places will leave you flinging them on nearby branches. And if you are travelling with children, you'll want to know what they can do when they're not in the water. Is there a sandbox or flat area to play soccer? And if it rains during the weekend, you will want to know ahead of time if there are books and board games, of if you need to pack that. Packing extra charging cables for devices is also not a bad idea. You'll also want to know ahead of time how to dispose of garbage and recycling on the property. Various municipalities have different regulations, and you won't want to attract any unnecessary wildlife. If you're in a rental, the host should be able to confirm those details for you — and whether they have a bear-proof bin somewhere. Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .
Economic Times
6 days ago
- Business
- Economic Times
Airbnb guests slammed with new $75 fee, but this legal loophole could save your family big
New 3% Rental Tax Approved by Narrow Vote In New Jersey What It Means for Ocean City Vacationers Live Events Why Ocean City Passed the Tax Opposition Says It's 'Taxing and Taxing' $60 Million in Online Rentals Last Year Alone Legal Loophole: How Families Can Avoid the Fee Airbnb Pushes Back New Jersey Residents Voice Frustration Online FAQs (You can now subscribe to our (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel Families planning a beach getaway to Ocean City, New Jersey, may be in for an unpleasant surprise as a new 3% fee is being added to vacation rentals booked through platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo, as per a report. But while the new rule may raise costs for some travelers, there's one key loophole that could help visitors avoid the charge entirely, according to The Sun by a narrow 4-3 vote, the new tax means vacationers using online rental sites could see an extra $75 tacked onto a typical $2,500 stay, as per the report. The city says the new fee will go into effect in about 90 days after its passing, as per The Sun City's Council has added the tax because consumer demand has gone up for the shore town, according to the Member Dave Winslow said in defense of the tax, saying, "It's not astronomical," and then pointed out that, "Say on a $2,500 rental, it's only $75. Most people are not going to leave Ocean City for $75," as quoted in The Sun READ: Northern Lights alert! These US states could see the sky glow green tonight City officials argue that a surge in tourism is straining local resources, especially as demand for short-term rentals skyrockets, as per the report. Some homes are now offering one-night weekend stays, which council members say puts additional pressure on services like sanitation, policing, and public maintenance, according to the Member Jody Levchuk, who supported the fee, said that as more families visit, more resources are used, as reported by The last year, the council had tried to pass a similar tax, but the move was squashed, as per the of the city council member who voted against the new law, Keith Hartzell said that, 'We keep taxing and taxing and taxing," adding that, "It never ends," as quoted in the just last year, over $60 million in Ocean City rentals were processed through online platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo, according to OCNJ READ: TD Bank tells employees: Get ready to work four days in office! Following trend among largest Canadian banks However there is a catch in the new tax and potentially good news for budget-conscious families, the new tax only applies to bookings made through online travel agencies, as per The Sun report. If you book your beach house through a local real estate office, the fee doesn't apply, according to The Sun report. You can also opt to stay in hotels and motels to exempt from paying the tax, as per the has spoken out against the move, warning that the added cost could hurt local businesses and push families out, according to the platform's public policy manager Alain Xiong-Calmes said in a statement to The US Sun, "In Ocean City, where most guests come from within the New Jersey region, this short-term rental tax risks pricing out families seeking affordable stays," as quoted by in the New Jersey resident are unhappy with the move, with residents like Bobby Mesmer saying that "It's getting too expensive across the board," and added that, "The rentals are already expensive enough," as quoted by The residents even went on social media to express their frustration with the new fee, according to the report. One social media Facebook user said that, "My family has been enjoying OC for years but you have really priced yourself out of the market for a family vacation. We went down for the day last week and there was so much parking," adding, "Obviously, people are not renting this year including us," as quoted in the user wrote that, "Stop spending your hard earned money in OC," adding, "Plenty of other places to vacation," as quoted by The a 3% charge, so around $75 on a $2,500 Bookings through local realtors or hotels/motels are exempt.
Time of India
6 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Airbnb guests slammed with new $75 fee, but this legal loophole could save your family big
New 3% Rental Tax Approved by Narrow Vote In New Jersey What It Means for Ocean City Vacationers Live Events Why Ocean City Passed the Tax Opposition Says It's 'Taxing and Taxing' $60 Million in Online Rentals Last Year Alone Legal Loophole: How Families Can Avoid the Fee Airbnb Pushes Back New Jersey Residents Voice Frustration Online FAQs (You can now subscribe to our (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel Families planning a beach getaway to Ocean City, New Jersey, may be in for an unpleasant surprise as a new 3% fee is being added to vacation rentals booked through platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo, as per a report. But while the new rule may raise costs for some travelers, there's one key loophole that could help visitors avoid the charge entirely, according to The Sun by a narrow 4-3 vote, the new tax means vacationers using online rental sites could see an extra $75 tacked onto a typical $2,500 stay, as per the report. The city says the new fee will go into effect in about 90 days after its passing, as per The Sun City's Council has added the tax because consumer demand has gone up for the shore town, according to the Member Dave Winslow said in defense of the tax, saying, "It's not astronomical," and then pointed out that, "Say on a $2,500 rental, it's only $75. Most people are not going to leave Ocean City for $75," as quoted in The Sun READ: Northern Lights alert! These US states could see the sky glow green tonight City officials argue that a surge in tourism is straining local resources, especially as demand for short-term rentals skyrockets, as per the report. Some homes are now offering one-night weekend stays, which council members say puts additional pressure on services like sanitation, policing, and public maintenance, according to the Member Jody Levchuk, who supported the fee, said that as more families visit, more resources are used, as reported by The last year, the council had tried to pass a similar tax, but the move was squashed, as per the of the city council member who voted against the new law, Keith Hartzell said that, 'We keep taxing and taxing and taxing," adding that, "It never ends," as quoted in the just last year, over $60 million in Ocean City rentals were processed through online platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo, according to OCNJ READ: TD Bank tells employees: Get ready to work four days in office! Following trend among largest Canadian banks However there is a catch in the new tax and potentially good news for budget-conscious families, the new tax only applies to bookings made through online travel agencies, as per The Sun report. If you book your beach house through a local real estate office, the fee doesn't apply, according to The Sun report. You can also opt to stay in hotels and motels to exempt from paying the tax, as per the has spoken out against the move, warning that the added cost could hurt local businesses and push families out, according to the platform's public policy manager Alain Xiong-Calmes said in a statement to The US Sun, "In Ocean City, where most guests come from within the New Jersey region, this short-term rental tax risks pricing out families seeking affordable stays," as quoted by in the New Jersey resident are unhappy with the move, with residents like Bobby Mesmer saying that "It's getting too expensive across the board," and added that, "The rentals are already expensive enough," as quoted by The residents even went on social media to express their frustration with the new fee, according to the report. One social media Facebook user said that, "My family has been enjoying OC for years but you have really priced yourself out of the market for a family vacation. We went down for the day last week and there was so much parking," adding, "Obviously, people are not renting this year including us," as quoted in the user wrote that, "Stop spending your hard earned money in OC," adding, "Plenty of other places to vacation," as quoted by The a 3% charge, so around $75 on a $2,500 Bookings through local realtors or hotels/motels are exempt.
