The UK Short Term Accommodation Association (STAA) has appointed Andy Fenner as its CEO. 

This is a new position, supporting the Chairperson, Merilee Karr, CEO of UnderTheDoormat Group, to deliver the STAA’s strategy and Shomik Panda, Director General of the STAA Secretariat, and CEO of Inline Policy.  This association has grown to a point where it and now represents over 80% of the market from the major global platforms, Airbnb, Booking.com and vrbo to home sharing company LoveHomeSwap, to the largest and most prominent UK property management companies such as Altido, City Relay, GuestReady, Host & Stay, onefinestay, PassTheKeys, Sykes Holiday Cottages and UnderTheDoormat as well as an incredibly wide range of companies supporting the industry with technology, insurance and services as well as individual hosts across all four nations of the UK.   

Andy brings to the role nearly 20 years’ experience in travel and tourism and the sharing economy gained in both Africa and the UK. He has an in-depth knowledge of sustainable businesses and has worked with communities to create a truly circular economy. In his previous role he was working in the Congo with a conservation NGO setting up sustainable tourism to benefit local people. 

Andy said, “The sharing economy is a lifeline to many communities, more so now than it has ever been, as we tackle the cost of living crisis. People using their homes and second homes as holiday lettings employs thousands of people across the country, both directly and through supporting local businesses. Holiday lettings sustain the economy of many of our rural villages and help keep local business at the heart of our communities. It’s great to have joined an association to help develop and nurture this vital and exciting part of the sharing economy. 

“I am honoured to lead the STAA on its next exciting phase. Having been involved in the travel and sharing economy for many years and seen the good it can do for our communities, I want to build on the work the team at the STAA has done and guide the association through its next stage of expansion.” 

Merilee Karr said, “The STAA Board and its members are delighted to have Andy join us as our new CEO.  He has a wealth of experience in the travel and tourism sectors to help us support the responsible growth of short-term accommodation industry in the years ahead. We are at a pivotal moment where our sector is driving UK spending to the tune of £27.7bn in 2021, providing half a million jobs and supporting hosts during the cost of living crisis.  I look forward to the contribution that Andy will make on our sector and to hosts and communities across the UK.”