StaySmart: Driving Future Trends in Corporate Housing & Relocation!

?In this week's Viciniti Corporate Housing 's StaySmart Industry Trends update, we dive deep into the heart of urban evolution. From the ambitious revamp of a historic hotel in St. Louis to the accelerated deployment of robotaxis in major cities. We take a panoramic view from living high in skyscrapers to ensuring their steadfastness during earthquakes. As the lines between business, travel, and real estate continue to blur, understanding these market shifts becomes vital. Whether you're an industry pro or a curious onlooker, these updates are tailored to equip you with insights and spark engaging conversations. For a visual treat and detailed analyses, don't forget to watch Gabriel Wacker 's full recap on our YouTube channel.

Dallas Short-Term Rental Ban: Implications for the Global Mobility Industry

In a transformative move, the Dallas City Council has banned short-term rental properties in single-family residential neighborhoods. The aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic saw a whopping 85% surge in earnings for Airbnb hosts in 2021, with 2022 marking a historic 1.4 million nationwide listings. Despite the undeniable growth, concerns have emerged globally regarding the impact of short-term rentals on local communities. The recent Dallas ban could upend nearly 95% of its registered short-term rentals, with potential repercussions for the global mobility industry. Sheila Benavides from Cartus highlights the challenges faced by families, especially those relocating with children or pets, emphasizing the role Airbnb plays in their housing choices. The ban, she suggests, could influence relocation timings, affect the housing market, and pose challenges for companies during employee transfers. A balanced approach, advocating for sensible regulations, is urged to consider the unique needs of different locations and businesses.

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Unpacking the Value of Traveler Well-Being in Today's Business Climate

In a recent session at the GBTA | Global Business Travel Association A meeting, Richard Johnson dove into the intricacies of traveler well-being. As organizations juggle employee well-being standards with corporate objectives, it's crucial to have metrics that represent the needs of travelers. Shocking figures point towards significant healthcare spending and productivity loss due to burnouts, emphasizing the importance of focusing on traveler well-being. However, the silver lining is the potential benefits of travel: from rejuvenating mental health to fostering creativity and bolstering job satisfaction. By converting travel data into insights on employee well-being, companies can make informed decisions. For instance, Johnson's team used a LinkedIn poll to understand the top travel concerns of professionals and demonstrated how to assign impact scores based on factors like cabin class and flight duration. The culmination of this analysis serves as a guide for businesses to incorporate well-being metrics into their travel strategies, ensuring a more holistic approach to corporate travel.

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Google Takes Flight: Unveiling Enhanced Tools for Savvy Travelers

Google is set to revolutionize flight bookings with its new feature on Google Flights. In its recent blog post, Google announced that its improved insights will empower travelers to discern when airfare prices have typically been at their lowest, streamlining their booking decisions. By comparing current prices to past averages for identical routes, travelers can ascertain whether the current price point is low, typical, or high. Moreover, Google's recent travel insights indicate that those eyeing Christmas or European vacations should book their flights 71 and 72 days in advance, respectively – a marked shift from previous years. As travel demand skyrockets post-pandemic, both for leisure and business, the travel industry faces the challenge of catering to a record number of travelers. Ed Chandler from Visa further underscores the technological metamorphosis driving the travel sector, emphasizing the critical role of investment in shaping next-gen travel experiences.

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Robotaxis Rev Up: Autonomous Rides Expand, But Cities Question Regulation

Self-driving taxis are quickly becoming a staple in numerous U.S. cities, with the anticipation that they'll enhance safety and transportation accessibility. Companies like Cruise and Waymo, after investing billions into R&D, now shift towards making robotaxis commercially viable by deploying them across various cities. While currently operational in Phoenix, San Francisco, and Austin, this list is set to grow substantially in the forthcoming year. These expansions predominantly target Sun Belt areas, favorable due to the climate and supportive state policies. GM's Cruise, particularly, is ambitious, having initiated tests in 14 cities and aims to generate $1 billion for GM by 2025. Despite the technological advancements, policy formulation lags behind, with Congress still deliberating on AV legislation. The regulatory landscape remains ambiguous, with uncertainties regarding authority over robotaxis' operations. The overarching need is apparent: enhanced collaboration between tech developers, local communities, and policymakers.

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Iconic St. Louis Hotel Prepares for $46M Overhaul; Marriott Bonvoy Apartments Debut Ahead

The iconic downtown St. Louis Oyo Hotel, renowned for its mural reflecting themes from the 1904 World's Fair, is earmarked for a $46 million renovation and rebranding. Midas Hospitality, the project's leader, has plans to transform the distressed hotel into a 220-room Sheraton. Existing condominiums occupying three floors will be retained, along with the famous mural. The project also aims to reintroduce the top floor as an event space and earmarks another floor for Apartments by Marriott Bonvoy , marking the first of its kind in the U.S. The hotel has faced multiple rebrandings over the past two decades and found itself in receivership following its owner's bankruptcy in 2019. Downtown hotels in the area have struggled post-pandemic, particularly due to the diminished business travel segment.

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