Srividya Kalyanaraman

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News Blog

France Proposes Value Added Taxes on Airbnb Rentals

The French Senate has greenlit measures to apply value-added tax (VAT) to Airbnb and similar platforms, aiming to address perceived competition imbalances with the hotel sector.  Under the existing system VAT is levied on furnished tourist accommodations based on specific services like breakfast, regular cleaning, and the provision of household linen. The proposed amendment contends…

Srividya Kalyanaraman | 1 month ago

News Blog

Numa Buys Dutch Rival YAYS Group

Berlin-based hospitality brand Numa Group has acquired Dutch aparthotels operator YAYS Group from Proprium Capital Partners. The companies did not disclose details of the deal.  But the deal was likely funded with Numa's latest fundraising round in September. Numa raised $59 million and said the funds will be used for expansion across Europe.  Together the…

Srividya Kalyanaraman | 1 month ago

Short-Term Rentals

The UK Has a Housing Problem. Restricting Rentals Won’t Fix it

Regulating short-term lets may bring rents down marginally, but doesn't change the need for more housing.

Srividya Kalyanaraman | 1 month ago

The UK Has a Housing Problem. Restricting Rentals Won’t Fix it

Tourism

Thailand Expects Only 3.5 million Chinese Tourists This Year Despite Visa Waiver

Thailand granted visa-free entry to Chinese tourists, with 11 million visitors in 2019. What gives?

Reuters | 1 month ago

Thailand Expects Only 3.5 million Chinese Tourists This Year Despite Visa Waiver

Hotels

Canadian Curbs on Short-Term Rentals

Canada’s curbs on short-term rentals Palm Beach’s pricey properties Property tax hikes in Utah

Srividya Kalyanaraman | 1 month ago

Short-Term Rentals

Canada’s New Tax Rule Curbs Airbnb Deductions to Address Housing Shortage

Is the measure enough to address the housing shortage? Airbnb argues that it only benefits the economy and empowers locals

Nivedita Balu, Reuters | 1 month ago

Canada’s New Tax Rule Curbs Airbnb Deductions to Address Housing Shortage

News Blog

Airbnb CEO Brian Chesky Was Actively Involved in Sam Altman’s Return to OpenAI

Airbnb CEO Brian Chesky was actively involved in advocating for and advising ousted OpenAI CEO Sam Altman in the run-up to his reinstatement "in principle" to the generative AI company, according to multiple published reports. OpenAI announced that deal for Altman's return Tuesday. Skift reported earlier in the week about the close years-long friendship between…

Srividya Kalyanaraman | 1 month ago

Short-Term Rentals

Choice Hotels on Extended Stay Versus Short-Term Rentals: Interview

Choice Hotels doesn't consider private equity entrants as competition, but as potential collaborators.

Srividya Kalyanaraman | 1 month ago

Choice Hotels on Extended Stay Versus Short-Term Rentals: Interview

Short-Term Rentals

Choice Hotels Ships Kitchens to Hotel Rooms

Did you know that Choice Hotels ships a kitchen in a box to transform your plain Jane hotel room into an extended stay unit?

Srividya Kalyanaraman | 1 month ago

Short-Term Rentals

Airbnb Called, and D.C. Answered

Airbnb announced Monday that it has appointed former White House chief of staff and a prominent figure in Democratic circles Ron Klain as its chief legal officer.

Srividya Kalyanaraman | 1 month ago