We built a multi-pronged PR strategy that focused on four key pillars:
1. Making history with the funding round
Hostaway raised $365 million in late 2024 — a historic raise in the short-term rental sector. Our job was to ensure the world took notice.
We developed unified messaging across internal teams, investors, and media; managed a multi-tiered announcement strategy across tech, travel, and national press; and prepped Hostaway’s spokespeople for high-impact interviews. Post-announcement, we kept up the momentum with strategic follow-up coverage and prominent media appearances.
Results: 88M+ UVM from 30+ publications, including TechCrunch, Skift, PhocusWire, The Globe and Mail, and Helsinki Times, plus major traction in the French press – a key market for Hostaway – helping solidify its European influence. We also secured 5 podcast interviews and 3 top-tier speaking slots for Hostaway’s CEO (Phocuswright Europe, Web Summit, Slush 2025).
2. Leading the AI conversation
As Artificial Intelligence gained momentum in the travel tech industry, Hostaway began developing AI solutions to provide innovative automation tools to its customers. We needed to make sure they were at the forefront of the AI conversation.
In 2024, we launched Hostaway’s first AI Report — a data-led deep dive into AI adoption in vacation rentals. The story resonated. Coverage landed in respected media titles, including Hotel Management Network, Yahoo Finance, and Short Term Rentalz.
As Hostaway expanded its AI product suite, we positioned it as the most comprehensive in the STR space. The launch announcement was picked up by leading trade media, including VRMA Arrival newsletter, Travel Mole, Hospitality Technology, and more, cementing Hostaway’s position as a pioneer in the AI category.
3. Elevating the CEO’s voice
Ever since we first started working with Hostaway, part of our strategy has been to position the CEO, Marcus Rader, as a leading voice for big-picture insights, from industry growth to climate change and tech innovation.
Marcus’s commentary regularly appears in outlets like Skift, on high-profile industry podcasts, and at the most prestigious industry events. Examples of thought leadership opportunities we secured for him this year include:
- Marcus spoke at a panel on Innovation and Growth in Hospitality Tech at PhocusWright Europe
- Appeared on GreenShift – Skift’s climate-focused podcast – discussing how rising temperatures are shifting traveler demand toward short-term rentals in rural and nature-based destinations
- Featured on the VRMA Arrival Podcast to talk about the $365M funding round and industry leadership
4. Reinforcing a growth narrative
From Hostaway’s 10-year anniversary story to market expansion coverage in regional press and high-impact podcast appearances, we amplified the company’s growth trajectory.
We crafted a story of workforce expansion and global reach, which sent a clear message to media and investors: Hostaway is here to shape the future of short-term rentals.
