The UK Short Term Accommodation Association (STAA) has announced that leading digital travel platform, Booking.com, has become a member of its organisation.

As one of the leading travel marketplaces for both established brands and entrepreneurs of all sizes, Booking.com enables properties all over the world to reach a global audience and grow their businesses. Available in 43 languages and offering more than 28 million total reported accommodation listings, including over 6.6 million listings in homes, apartments and other unique places to stay, it is also one of the most recognised brands worldwide.

Booking.com joins Airbnb and Expedia as full members of the association, which now represents the interests of more than 90% of the properties in the UK available on a short term rental basis.

Fiona MacConnacher, UK Public Affairs Manager, Booking.com, said, “We have seen a continuing desire for people to rent homes and apartments for their UK holidays and, as a result, our business focus continues in this sector. We recognise the positive work that the STAA has been doing on behalf of the industry and are keen to contribute to its strategy and plans going forwards as well as contribute to tackling common industry challenges. We’re looking forward to working alongside the other members of the STAA to help make the short-term rentals and holiday lets industry a more attractive one for guests and property owners alike.”

Andy Fenner, CEO of the STAA, said, “We are delighted to welcome Booking.com to our association. Without doubt, their expertise, resources and reputation will boost our profile and ability to campaign on behalf of our industry. The short term lets sector has flourished as COVID travel restrictions have subsided but we still face many challenges and based on inaccurate assumptions and a lack of appreciation about the economic contributions our sector makes to local communities not best served by other industry. Booking.com is a key online travel platform and it has demonstrated a real responsibility in managing its growth in a sustainable and professional way. Its presence in our associations will help us to reach out in a positive way to key audiences and stakeholders such as local authorities, government and other associations.”