By David Boe, Host2Host Board Member, STR host in NW Portland and author of Secrets of an Airbnb Superhost. 

On February 2, 2022, a spirited group of Host2Host Business Affiliates met via Zoom for an engaging hour-long round-table style discussion about the state of the Short Term Rental industry during the second year of the global pandemic.

The meeting was energetically moderated by Carlos Camarena, proprietor of Carlos Rafael Photography, a photography and video business that is a longtime favorite among local Portland Airbnb hosts.

Host2Host founder Debi Hertert reminded us of the meeting’s purpose of creating an informal space where business owners could share ideas and experiences with one another around the common topic of short term rentals. 

During the general discussion, Host2Host Executive Director, Jill Palamountain offered a brief and optimistic overview of industry trends, including the continued upward arc of anticipated growth in short term rentals, despite or in some cases because of the realities of the Pandemic. In many cases, private homes like those offered by STR hosts have been seen as much safer places than hotels, which can expose guests to many more public interactions. 

Several business owners agreed with the assessment of increased opportunities, and shared a sense of optimism for the year ahead. Attendees included: 

Bruce and Cindy Eastman, of HealthMarkets; Lorinda Taylor, from InnStyle; Amina Moreau, from Radious; Greta Krost, from Coastline Lodging; and Juliana Ujka, of BnSellit.