Although it has been years since I’ve traveled in mesmerizing Tokyo, my memories are as vivid as though they had been sparked yesterday—pleasures aswirl in unique flavors and noises, creativity and ingenuity. So when luxury publisher Assouline released the new book Tokyo Chic, I dove into its 312 lush-paper-stock pages, with more than 200 photographs and illustrations, which are bound in an outsize (10-by-13-inches, 6.4-pound) format—a hefty hardcover wrapped in silk. The brainchild of Andrea Fazzari, whose deft imagery and words are love letters to the inimitable capital, Tokyo Chic showcases a massively enthralling—yet strikingly intimate—city. Currently based in Tokyo, Fazzari is a James Beard Award-winning photographer, author and restaurant maven with notable backgrounds in fashion and film. Born in New York City, she has lived in France, Hong Kong, Italy, Spain and Thailand—and speaks four languages. What a sophisticated guide to have at your armchair traveler’s fingertips! Indeed, this coffee table tome would make a treasured holiday gift for those who have already vacationed in Japan or simply dream of doing so.
Airbnb's Record Profit and Million Listings
06.12.2023 - 04:16 / skift.com / Brian Chesky / Srividya Kalyanaraman / Joe Gebbia / Nathan Blecharczyk
Good morning, readers. I hope you’re having an easy Thursday so far. I don’t know about you, but I am loving the new look of this newsletter, so much so that I sent myself multiple test emails this morning.
Moving on, our top story today is money and how much of it was spent on companies in this sector. Some of that venture capital dry powder is finally dusting off.
It’s Raining Money
Kasa Living, which manages rentals for owners of multifamily and boutique hospitality properties, has raised $70 million in a Series C funding round. The round was led by Citi Ventures and FirstMark Capital. New York Life Ventures, Fireside Investments, and existing investors RET Ventures, Zigg Capital, and Ribbit Capital also participated in the round.
Samara, the brainchild of Airbnb co-founder Joe Gebbia, raised $41 million in a Series A round, led by Thrive Capital and participation from investors including 8VC, General Catalyst, New Legacy, SV Angel. Airbnb co-founders Brian Chesky and Nathan Blecharczyk and Dell Technologies CEO Michael Dell also participated in this round.
There is definitely a trend here: the rising popularity of property management firms that manage multi-family homes in apartment complexes. I recently spoke to Lisa Yeh, president at Denver-based hospitality operator Sentral and the company’s agenda for 2024 is to expand its presence in every major city and to create a network effect among its guests.
Sentral counts Iconiq Capital and Highgate as its investors. Corporate clients include Johnson & Johnson, Tesla and Google. Sentral is an operating company that manages real estate for institutional and private developers, including JP Morgan, with a focus on multifamily assets.
Yeh said that the company’s mission is to add consistency to a branded short-term rental so it becomes the natural choice for guests.
“Sentral is trying to make the short-term rental experience consistent,” Yeh said. “It’s a brand experience we’re creating, whether you stay at our Miami property or Scottsdale one, it’s consistent.”
And how Sentral does it is what differentiates it from Airbnb.
“I think the key difference between us and Airbnb is from the perspective of the property owner, “ Yeh said. “They want somebody on site to manage that experience, because when you get out of control, you have professional hosts that are running Airbnb, and some are great but some aren’t.”
Sentral’s strategy is to operate entire buildings, removing any chance of conflict between guests and long-term residents.
“We’re adamant that we manage an entire building, because you have the ability to get the best customer service, and to treat everybody the same,” Yeh said. “When you start seeing the Airbnb guests, people who check in
Jamaica Poised for Record Visitors and Earnings in 2023
With a record winter tourist season on the horizon and a robust growth trajectory of its vibrant tourism industry, Edmund Bartlett, Minister of Tourism, Jamaica, has announced that the island is set to eclipse its growth projections for visitor arrivals and tourism earnings for 2023.
‘North Clare and the Burren blew my mind’
One summer, many years ago when I was 17, I met a Dutch girl in a pub who was backpacking around Ireland. She said she was staying in hostels and was off to Doolin in County Clare the next day. Somehow, I hadn’t realised it was that easy to strike out and see the world. The next morning I took the bus to Doolin and began a lifelong love of independent travel and the open road. I never saw the Dutch girl again despite a full search of every pub in the village.
How to spend a long weekend in Fife, Scotland’s ancient kingdom
The ancient Kingdom of Fife is steeped in rich history and dramatic scenery. The region is located on a sprawling peninsula on Scotland’s east coast, appreciated for its cinematic scale, ambience, and pure sense of drama. The name ‘Kingdom of Fife’ derives from its historical significance as one of the major Pictish kingdoms, once known as Fib. This four-day itinerary guides visitors through the region’s charming fishing villages, to iconic landmarks and across wild coastal paths. It's a place where visitors can escape, relax and unwind. Explore the historic home of Scotland’s ancient monarchs and tuck into world-class local produce — all within an easy drive from Edinburgh, Scotland’s capital city.
Blue Lagoon Iceland to Reopen to Tourists
Blue Lagoon Iceland will reopen its geothermal spa and some restaurants to guests on December 17, it said in an statement Friday.
Kickstart Your Thermal Getaway At These Airbnbs in Bath, England
Founded by the Romans in the 1st century, Bath originally went by the Latin name of Aquae Sulis after the Celtic deity of healing and water. The setting was chosen for its thermal springs which later saw Bath evolve into a fashionable spa resort. Grand terraces were constructed during the Georgian era using honey-colored limestone from the surrounding downs. Nowadays, Bath remains a stellar destination for romantic getaways, family vacations, spa weekends, and bachelor/bachelorette parties (locally known as stag and hen dos).
Illinois is a Winter Wonderland
Illinois is brimming with festive activities and unique experiences, promising to be the go-to destination for an unforgettable winter experience. Lean into the holiday season in December, partake in outdoor winter activities and meet the Bald Eagles of Illinois in January, and indulge in Chicago’s theatre scene and automotive heritage in February.
€21 Bratwurst and €10 glühwein: Locals say they have been priced out of Christmas markets
In some parts of Europe, high prices and Christmas markets go hand in hand. But in others, this year’s soaring costs have come as a shock.
Jamaica Set to Record 4.1 million Visitors and US$4.3 Billion in Earnings for 2023
With a record winter tourist season on the horizon, Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, has announced that the island is set to eclipse its growth projections for visitor arrivals and tourism earnings for 2023, based on the robust growth trajectory of Jamaica’s vibrant tourism industry.
Airbnb Seeks to Expand Its Local Host Clubs
Airbnb launched its Host Clubs in 2016, in part to help with local campaigns against regulatory clampdowns. Now, it is seeking to expand these clubs.
White House announces a flood of money for high-speed rail and other train projects
The White House is announcing billions of dollars in new funding for train projects from coast to coast.
Mint House CEO on Engaging Early With Landlords
Christian Lee joined Mint House as CEO in March, and 100 days into the role and a year after the company’s $35 million fundraise, Lee has his work cut out for him. But the former WeWork CFO isn’t a stranger to a volatile industry.