ABOUT THIS EPISODE
Running properties and running a hospitality business are not the same thing. The difference will decide which short-term rental managers thrive and which fall behind.
In this episode of AI-Powered Hosting – from Host Planet and BOOM – we talk to Richard Vaughton from Yes Consulting about building a tech-led operation, and why technology on its own isn't enough to move the short-term rental industry forward.
Richard explains what the best operators are doing differently, how to lay the foundations to become proactive rather than reactive, and where to start if you want to build a tech-led business. We dig into the problem with bolted-on tools, why tech is pointless if the guest experience is sub-standard, and how isolation quietly limits growth.
Plus: why so many managers are hesitant to collaborate, how connecting with others makes decisions clearer, and what the future holds for the industry.
Timestamps:
1:14 The difference between running properties and running a hospitality business
2:11 How to lay the foundations to be proactive
3:18 What the best operators are doing differently
5:18 Where to start if you want to build a tech-led operation
8:11 What this means for bolted-on tools
11:48 Why tech is not enough to move the STR industry forward
14:12 Tech is pointless if the experience is sub-standard
17:42 Why isolation limits growth
20:22 BOOM
21:03 Richard's involvement with BOOM
23:28 Decisions become clearer when you connect with others
26:47 Why managers are hesitant to collaborate
30:08 What will separate the managers who win from those who fall behind
32:00 What the future holds
🔗 Explore BOOM: https://www.boomnow.com/?utm_source=HostPlanet&utm_medium=Sponsor&utm_campaign=2026
📬 Connect with Richard on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richardvaughton/
AI-Powered Hosting is a six-part series from Host Planet and BOOM exploring how artificial intelligence is transforming the short-term rental industry – from automation to full agentic execution. Quote 'Host Planet' to get 50% off PMS onboarding with BOOM: https://www.boomnow.com/?utm_source=HostPlanet&utm_medium=Sponsor&utm_campaign=2026
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