In this episode of the STR Data Lab, Jamie Lane welcomes Alex Alioto, Head of Growth at Whimstay. They discuss the inception and growth of Whimstay, an OTA specializing in last-minute bookings for short-term rentals. Alex shares insights on how they fill unsold gap nights and create a win-win situation for both hosts and spontaneous travelers.

The conversation delves into the challenges and strategies around booking windows, particularly the trend of shortening lead times due to economic uncertainties. Both emphasize the importance of having a diverse distribution strategy and dynamic pricing to capture various traveler segments. Alex highlights Whimstay's unique value proposition and discusses the impact of Gen Z and millennial travelers on the market. They also explore the rise in last-minute group travel and the significance of capturing next-gen travelers for long-term industry growth. Alex emphasizes the need for property managers to focus on direct bookings and maintaining high hospitality standards. Jamie and Alex agree on the importance of spreading demand across shoulder seasons to optimize occupancy and revenue.

They conclude by discussing the marketing efforts Whimstay has undertaken to build its demand, including social media and targeted advertising. Alex urges hosts to think strategically about their listing platforms and dynamic pricing to maximize bookings. The episode wraps up with a call to action for property managers to list their properties on Whimstay and leverage its last-minute booking capabilities.