What Airbnb’s New Messaging Rules Mean for Direct Bookings

What Airbnb’s New Messaging Rules Mean for Your Direct Booking Strategy

As short-term rental hosts, many of us have relied on a simple tactic to encourage repeat guests: sending a friendly post-stay message through the Airbnb platform. It’s been common to include a review request and a nudge to book direct next time.

But Airbnb’s latest policy update makes one thing clear: this method is no longer allowed.

In this Hosting Hotline episode, listener Colby—who manages high-end properties in Australia—asks whether post-stay messages that encourage direct bookings are still compliant. The answer? A hard no… if you’re using Airbnb’s messaging system.

So, what changed?

While Airbnb has always discouraged promoting off-platform transactions, the company is now enforcing those guidelines with more scrutiny. Their AI actively monitors message content for violations—including direct booking prompts.

Here’s what you need to know:

❌ What not to do:

• Don’t include direct booking links, discount codes, or promotional language in any message sent through Airbnb, even post-checkout.
• Don’t ask guests to leave reviews anywhere other than Airbnb’s built-in review platform.
• Don’t offer perks or upgrades in exchange for personal information.

✅ What’s still okay:

• You can ask for a 5-star Airbnb review—but keep it simple.
• You can request feedback via Airbnb messaging, as long as it doesn’t lead them off-platform.
• You can move communication to email, text, or WhatsApp—if the guest opts in first.

Workarounds That Work

Rather than sneaking around Airbnb’s rules, savvy hosts are upgrading their strategies:

1. Collect emails with consent: Tools like StayFi help you gather guest emails (with proper permissions) while they’re connected to your WiFi.

2. Use your property as a silent salesperson: Add framed QR codes, digital welcome books, or subtle signage that invites guests to book direct next time. It’s more effective than post-stay messaging—and it’s totally compliant.

3. Build a real marketing pipeline: Once guests are off-platform, build a simple email funnel to bring them back again and again. Just make sure you’ve earned that permission first.

Final Tip

If a tactic feels even a little bit gray, don’t do it. Airbnb’s detection methods are smarter than ever—and trying to outwit the system isn’t worth the risk.

Instead, focus on authentic, guest-first marketing that builds loyalty long after the stay.

Have More Questions? We’d love to hear from you! Submit your hosting questions to the Hosting Hotline and tune in to the podcast for answers. Don’t forget to follow us on Instagram for more tips: @thanksforvisiting_.

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Mentioned in this episode:

StayFi – WiFi-based email capture tool for short-term rentals

Thanks for Visiting Bootcamp – Hands-on training for growing and optimizing your hosting business