Earlier today at Skift Global Forum in New York, Skift founder Rafat Ali and Hyatt CEO Mark Hoplamazian discussed the company’s trajectory and the opportunities in the industry.
Ali introduced the subject of alternative accommodations, and mentioned Hyatt’s $15 million investment in luxury rental company Onefinestay, which sold to Accor in April 2016.
“We got our money back,” Hoplamazian inserted.
“What do you think is missing [in alternative accommodations]?” Ali continued.
“What isn’t missing is demand,” Hoplamazian said. “We see a real demand for the home option and alternative accommodation types. However, the regulatory environment changed really quickly.”
“It hasn’t hurt Airbnb,” Ali replied.
“I’m not sure that is true,” Hoplamazian said. “There is documented decline in Airbnb’s inventory in markets affected by regulations.” Hoplamazian added that many of the hardest regulations haven’t happened yet as in New York’s new restrictions are set to begin in 2019.
The hotel CEO also discussed Hyatt’s investment in Oasis and what the company has learned about vacation rentals from these businesses. “We are high on companies that have control over the inventory,” he said.
“I believe we will see consolidation of platforms that don’t have control over inventory” Hoplamazian added. “But you have to have control over the inventory.” He acknowledged that these businesses are harder to scale and more expensive to operate.
“We’ve learned a lot from the B2B and B2C sides of this business, and we see more opportunity in B2C; and we are going to continue to look at this business on the home front.”
Hoplamazian and Ali also discussed the increase in short-term rental regulations. “Reality is coming to roost in the regulatory environment,” Hoplamazian said.
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