AI is changing the way travelers discover short-term rentals—and it’s happening faster than most hosts realize.

In this episode, Mark Lumpkin sits down with Gil Chan, Founder & CEO of Crafted Stays, to discuss how AI search, direct bookings, and modern website strategies are reshaping the future of the STR industry.

Gil explains why relying solely on OTAs is becoming increasingly risky, how AI platforms like ChatGPT and Gemini are influencing guest booking behavior, and what hosts can do today to position their properties for the next generation of search. He also shares how Crafted Stays is helping operators build high-converting direct booking websites that are optimized for both traditional SEO and AI-powered discovery.

Whether you're managing one property or hundreds, this conversation is packed with practical insights to help you future-proof your business.

In this episode, you'll learn:

•  Why AI is changing how guests search for vacation rentals 
•  How direct bookings compound over time while OTA bookings stay transactional 
•  The importance of identifying your ideal guest avatar 
•  What SEO, AEO, and GEO mean—and why they matter 
•  How to build a website that's ready for the future of travel search 
•  Why hospitality and guest experience still matter more than ever 

If you're serious about growing your direct bookings and staying ahead of where the industry is headed, this is an episode you won't want to miss. 

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Episode Sponsored By:
STR Search

STR Search is the industry leading property finder service. They've helped investors acquire over 215 profitable STRs across the US. If you'd like the data professionals to help you find your next STR, reach out to STRsearch.com