Decisions Over Forecasts: How STR Operators Win in 2026
Podcast Summary
The short-term rental industry is entering a more demanding phase. In 2026, performance will be defined by execution, discipline, and decision-making under pressure.
In this solo episode, Simon Lehmann outlines what professional operators must change, what they must stop doing, and where time and capital should be focused to protect margin and build durable businesses.
The 6 Decisions Shaping STR Performance in 2026
- Quality of earnings – Why unit-level profitability matters more than portfolio growth.
- Pricing – How pricing shifts from a tactical tool to a leadership strategy.
- Operations – Why friction, not branding, defines trust and long-term value.
- Regulation – The transition from headline risk to enforcement and professionalism.
- Risk and insurance – How liability, safety, and preparedness are being repriced.
- Distribution – Why controlled exposure replaces maximum exposure in a changing discovery landscape.
We Say What Others Won’t
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Resources mentioned in the show:
Resources
- AJL Atelier – Global STR Consulting. Led by our host Simon Lehmann, AJL Atelier is a boutique advisory firm helping professional hosts, property managers, and investors succeed in the short-term rental industry.
- Connect with Simon Lehmann on LinkedIn.
Guest Appearing in this Episode
Simon Lehmann
Simon Lehmann is the CEO of AJL Atelier, a strategic advisory firm for the global short-term rental industry. He has decades of experience in vacation rentals, travel tech, and hospitality, and has advised hundreds of operators, startups, and investors across EMEA, North America, APAC, and LATAM. He’s also a frequent speaker and moderator at global events like VRMA, Phocuswright, and Skift, covering STR tech, market consolidation, and professional hosting. Simon was Co-Founder & Chairman of Vacasa Europe, President of PhocusWright, and a Board Member of HomeAway. He also held executive roles at Interhome, Hotelplan Group, and Swissport.
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