The 2026 ASTRA Here to Stay Awards will be positioned as an industry-leading recognition program, celebrating operational excellence, innovation, and leadership within the short-term rental (STR) industry. Our goal is to establish the awards as a prestigious and highly sought-after achievement for hosts, PMCs, and industry vendors.
By showcasing best practices, the ASTRA Awards will not only raise the professional credibility of the industry but will also directly support ASTRA’s mission to promote and standardise the STR industry through advocacy, education, and research. These awards will play a crucial role in influencing decision-makers, promoting balanced, evidence-based regulation, and furthering ASTRA’s cause.
Awards Process
Submission Guidelines:
- Each response should be capped at 300 words per criteria point
- Submission Deadline: 11:59pm on September 18.
- Shortlisted Nominees: The top nominees for each category will be announced at 3pm on October 9.
1. Excellence in Guest Experience (Hosts and PMCs)
Purpose: Recognises outstanding guest service and exceptional hospitality, celebrating those who provide unforgettable experiences that promote STRA as a preferred accommodation type.
2. Best STR Property Management Company
Purpose: Celebrates the most effective and well-run PMCs, recognising both emerging and established companies for operational excellence, customer satisfaction, and industry innovation.
- Emerging PMC (100 properties or fewer)
- Established PMC (101+ properties)
3. STRA Industry Partner of the Year
Purpose: Acknowledges industry partners who have made significant contributions to the STR ecosystem, enhancing the overall industry experience through tools, services, or partnerships. This category is open to all industry partners, including software providers, insurance providers, maintenance partners, product suppliers, amenity providers, etc.
Criteria Points:
- Positive Guest Feedback: Consistently high ratings on major booking platforms with detailed, specific comments regarding excellent service.
- Deliberate Actions to Enhance Guest Experience: Evidence of intentional strategies and actions that lead to positive guest interactions.
- Effective Use of Feedback: Demonstrates actively gathering, analysing, and using guest feedback to drive measurable service improvements.
- Guest Retention Rate: Demonstrates high repeat guest numbers or customer loyalty programs that contribute to guest retention.
- Innovation in Guest Services: Utilisation of unique offerings or services that enhance guest satisfaction.
Criteria Points:
- Positive Guest and Property Owner Feedback: Testimonials from both guests and property owners showcasing high satisfaction, including owner retention.
- Community Engagement: Active involvement in local communities, through partnerships or contributions, that aligns with ASTRA’s mission.
- Advocacy for the STR Industry: Demonstrates clear efforts to influence industry standards, policy, and market positioning, and commitment to advancing ASTRA’s objectives.
- Quality Standards: High operational standards for quality, safety, and guest amenities.
- Operational Efficiency: Evidence of strong internal processes, streamlined operations, and consistent performance, including effective use of technology to manage operations.
- Staff/Team Engagement: Focus on providing career development, mentorship, and fostering a supportive workplace culture. Evidence of investment in team growth and retention.
- Vision and Mission: The company demonstrates a clear vision and mission for contributing to broader goals that property management alone. This could include community impact, sustainability initiatives, or a commitment to advancing the professionalisation of the STR industry.
Criteria Points:
- Industry Engagement: Proactive involvement in understanding and addressing the needs of STR clients, evidenced by collaborations with STR property managers, hosts, or associations.
- Client Feedback: Strong testimonials and case studies demonstrating how the product or service has improved client performance and satisfaction.
- Product Innovation: Evidence of continuous product updates or improvements that are aligned with industry feedback and trends.
- Future-Focused Vision: Demonstrates forward-thinking and innovation, with clear plans to evolve the product/service in line with future industry challenges and needs.
- Contribution to STR Ecosystem: The partner’s services or products should add measurable value to the industry, making STR operations more efficient, profitable, or sustainable.
4. STRA Industry Team Member of the Year (PMCs or Hosts)
Purpose: Celebrates an individual who has shown extraordinary dedication and excellence in their role, whether in customer service, operations, or leadership. This award shines a spotlight on those working both in guest-facing and behind the scenes roles to ensure STR success.
5. Advocate of the Year
Purpose: Recognises individuals or organisations that have made significant contributions to advocating for the STR industry, especially in pushing for balanced and evidence-based regulations, and championing STR’s value in broader industry discussions.
6. Lifetime Achievement Award
Purpose: Recognises an individual or company that has made a lasting and meaningful impact on the STR industry. This prestigious award honours a legacy of leadership, dedication, and contributions to advancing the industry.
Criteria Points:
- Excellence in Service or Operations: Demonstrates consistent high performance in their role, going above and beyond to ensure exceptional service delivery.
- Problem Solving: Proactively identifies and resolves challenges, demonstrating a high degree of initiative and creative thinking in difficult situations.
- Leadership and Team Collaboration: Ability to lead, mentor, and inspire colleagues, fostering a positive and productive team environment.
- Guest and Team Impact: Demonstrated positive influence on guest satisfaction or team performance, including measurable results or feedback.
- Commitment to Professional Development: Evidence of continuous learning and growth within the STR industry, showing dedication to improving skills and knowledge.
Criteria Points:
- Contribution to Advocacy Efforts: Active involvement in policy development, regulatory discussions, public forums, media, public speaking, or thought leadership aimed at improving the STR industry.
- Collaborative Efforts: Partnerships with other STR industry stakeholders to advocate for the sector.
- Visible Impact: Demonstrable outcomes from their advocacy efforts, such as changes in legislation, regulations, or public perception of STRs.
- Long-Term Commitment: Ongoing dedication to advancing the industry through consistent, sustained efforts over time.
Criteria Points:
- Legacy of Contribution: A career or company history of impactful contributions to the STR industry.
- Industry Leadership: Demonstrated leadership in advancing the STR industry, whether through innovations, setting standards, or championing professionalisation.
- Enduring Influence: The individual’s or company’s work has had a lasting impact, shaping the current state of the STR industry and paving the way for future success.
- Mentorship and Inspiration: Evidence of guiding the next generation of STR professionals, either through mentoring, educating, participation in industry events, or sharing knowledge.
- Recognition by Peers: Acknowledged by other industry leaders for their outstanding contributions and influence over the years.