Benchmark Your Best: AirDNA’s Insider Insights for 2025

What separates top-performing short-term rental operators from the rest? That question took center stage at Operate 2025, which kicked off with a powerful session from Jamie Lane, Chief Economist at AirDNA. In “Benchmark Your Best,” Jamie unpacked the biggest trends shaping the STR landscape in 2025 and revealed the specific strategies the top 10% of operators are already using to stay ahead in an increasingly unpredictable market.

From navigating consumer uncertainty to dialing in on demand data, Jamie broke down exactly what operators need to monitor, tweak, and double down on to outperform their competitors in 2025.

1. Strategic Uncertainty Is the New Normal

From tariffs to elections, macroeconomic volatility is driving more change than ever before—and operators need to be prepared.

Today’s top performers aren’t just reacting, they’re planning around potential disruptions with flexible strategies and smarter forecasting. Consumer confidence has dipped sharply since late 2023, and demand is softening for lower-end segments and longer bookings.

2. International Travel Is Shifting Markets

Fewer international travelers are choosing the U.S., and it’s hitting certain markets harder than others. Canadian travel to the U.S. has dropped significantly in early 2025, declining 15–20% year-over-year. Instead, travelers are favoring destinations like France, Mexico, and Japan. This shift affects U.S. hospitality hubs like Miami, Orlando, and Hawaii, which have high international exposure.   

It’s important to benchmark your market’s exposure to international travel. If you’re in a vulnerable market, doubling down on domestic marketing and pricing flexibility will be key to sustaining consistent business.

3. Current Demand Is Strong, But Growth Is Slowing

Despite macroeconomic shifts, the hospitality market is still holding steady, with listings leveling off after years of rapid growth from 2019 to 2023.

Listing levels are plateauing in 2025, and year-over-year listing growth has remained under 5% for eight consecutive months. Demand and booked nights saw a brief boost in April due to Easter, with occupancy rates matching previous years.

Now, smart operators are maximizing revenue per unit, not just chasing new supply.

4. Summer 2025 Outlook

Summer demand is uneven and depends on your market and your price tier.

Destination and coastal areas are growing, but urban markets are facing weaker occupancy. Similarly, upscale and luxury listings are holding steady, while budget segments are taking a hit.

Travelers are booking later, giving operators less runway to adjust strategy.

So, high-performing operators are adapting to real-time demand signals with dynamic pricing, last-minute promotion strategies, and streamlining operations with tools like Operto Teams.

5. Benchmarking Is a Competitive Advantage

The top 10% of operators continually track, compare, and adjust their strategies. 

Jamie emphasized the power of benchmarking tools to reveal exactly how your portfolio stacks up against competitors on occupancy, rates, and revenue. It’s not just about historical data; it’s about using today’s data to make tomorrow’s decisions.

AirDNA’s latest tools help operators benchmark at the market, submarket, and unit level.

Bottom Line: Data Is Your Superpower in 2025

If one thing was clear from Jamie Lane’s presentation, it’s this: operators who know their numbers and use them daily will lead tomorrow’s hospitality excellence.

Want to see how you stack up? Explore AirDNA Benchmarking Tools and unlock the strategies top operators already use.