Lavanda Taps Former Kasa Exec Greg Materdomini to Lead US Expansion
Key Takeaways for Property Managers:
- Lavanda, a property technology (prop-tech) UK’s short-term and flex rental space, has tapped Greg Materdomini, former Director of Sales at Kasa Living, to lead its charge into the US.
- Greg brings 20+ years of prop-tech and hospitality know-how to the table, aiming to forge strong partnerships with multifamily owners and investors.
- This move signals Lavanda’s push into the US multifamily market, where the appetite for flexible rental solutions is only getting bigger.
- The flex market covers everything from short-term stays to temporary rentals alongside traditional leases, perfect for business travelers, remote workers, and those in between homes.
- In multifamily housing, flex rentals can span from a few nights to a few months, offering a dynamic answer to shifting consumer needs.
About Lavanda
- Lavanda is a leading real estate tech company headquartered in London, offering innovative solutions that focus on flexible rental strategies.
- Lavanda’s technology platform is called Lavanda PMS (Property Management System). It enables apartment owners and operators to efficiently manage short-term, long-term, and flexible rentals through a single, integrated platform, helping them optimize asset performance across various rental strategies.
Snigdha’s View
- Lavanda is entering the US as flexible living surges, with property managers under pressure to offer versatile options in a fragmented US market.
- Lavanda’s focus on flex rentals in multifamily housing could help navigate this complex landscape.
- By aiming to offer tools for managing multiple rental models more efficiently, Lavanda seeks to help property managers adapt to market demands, streamline their operations, and respond to the increasing need for flexible rental solutions.
- Lavanda’s partnership with multifamily housing and student accommodation with giants like Upp, Greystar, and Starwood Capital drove its success across the UK and Europe.
- Why the US now? With the rising demand for flexible living, the US multifamily market is ripe for the picking, and Lavanda’s ready to jump in.
New EEA Taskforce to Set the Bar on Hospitality Sustainability
Key Takeaways for Property Managers:
- The Energy & Environment Alliance (EEA) is stepping up with a global consultation led by its new Taskforce on Hotels & Lodging Sustainability Standards.
- This ambitious initiative is all about creating sustainability standards, benchmarks, and financial metrics tailor-made for the hospitality industry.
- The Taskforce is launching a multi-stage global consultation to gather insights from hospitality pros around the world.
- Over the next year, they’ll be shaping harmonized sustainability standards.
- By the end of 2025, these finalized standards will be handed over to industry leaders and regulators.
- What does this mean for the industry? Sustainability metrics will start playing a key role in valuing hospitality assets.
- This could mean everything from investment decisions to financing could hinge on how eco-friendly you are.
- If you’re a property manager, in hotels and lodging, staying competitive and attracting sustainable investment might just depend on adopting these standards.
- Backing this initiative is a powerhouse team of over 30 experts, including big names like King’s College London, BREEAM, CRREM, and industry leaders like Catherine Dolton (IHG), Inge Huijbrechts (Radisson), and Corey Walrod (ISSB), all pooling their expertise to make this a milestone for the hospitality world.
Snigdha’s View
- As sustainability standards evolve, short-term rental operators may need to align with new benchmarks and metrics.
- Adapting to these changes might require investments in new systems or retrofitting existing properties to meet higher environmental standards.
- The news also indicates that sustainability metrics will soon play a role in the valuation of hospitality assets. This means properties not in line with these benchmarks might face challenges securing financing or attracting investment.
- Non-compliance could also lead to missed opportunities in the growing demand for eco-friendly accommodations.
- Incorporating sustainability measures into your operations—like energy-efficient utilities, waste reduction, or water-saving initiatives—could add operational complexities. You’ll need to monitor and report these practices, which may require staff training and system upgrades.
- As the push for sustainability grows, properties that adopt these standards early on can appeal to environmentally conscious travelers and investors.
- With the increasing importance of sustainability metrics in investment decisions, properties aligned with these new standards might access better financing options.
- Green certifications or energy-efficient upgrades could unlock grants, incentives, or favorable loan conditions.
- Early adoption positions you as a forward-thinking leader, which can be a competitive advantage when the standards become widely implemented.
One Key Debuts in the UK: Rewards for Travelers, Wins for Property Managers!
- Expedia Group has officially taken its One Key rewards program international, launching it in the UK after a successful run in the U.S.
- This rollout is a big deal for Vrbo, which is now part of a loyalty program in the UK for the first time.
- While Airbnb still hasn’t dipped its toes into loyalty schemes in this market, Vrbo’s ready to cash in on this.
- Every time a traveler books flights, stays, car rentals, or activities through Expedia, Hotels.com, or Vrbo, they earn OneKeyCash, £1 in OneKeyCash equals £1 off future bookings.
- With four membership levels (Blue, Silver, Gold, and Platinum), the more guests book, the more perks they unlock, like VIP hotel upgrades, room upgrades, and even food & drink bonuses.
About Expedia Group
Expedia Group is a global travel tech powerhouse that connects millions of travelers with their ideal destinations, accommodations, and experiences. Operating through well-known brands like Expedia, Vrbo, Hotels.com, and Travelocity, the company offers a broad range of travel services, including flights, accommodations, car rentals, and activities.
Snigdha’s View
- Earlier this year, we interviewed James Cassidy, Senior Director of Partner Success at Vrbo, Where Cassidy hinted that One Key would be expanding globally, and now, it’s officially here.
- Vrbo’s clearly all-in on making One Key a star player, even weaving it into their latest ads to grab attention.
- In the UK market, expect a heavy marketing push this year as Vrbo works to build a loyal fanbase around this rewards program.
- For property managers, here’s where it gets interesting. One Key can be a way to reel in more loyal guests.
- If your property’s listed on Vrbo, it’s time to start flashing the One Key benefits in your descriptions, as ravelers familiar with One Key are more likely to book knowing they can stack up rewards and perks.
- By highlighting One Key in your listings, you’re tapping into a traveler base that’s already hooked on earning points.
- With the program simplifying rewards across platforms, Vrbo properties could see a booking boost from travelers eager to maximize their loyalty perks.
