From the Gulf to London: Oman's Sovereign Wealth Fund Boosts the Future of Flexible Accommodation with $7 Million Investment in UnderTheDoormat Group

The evolution of the Flexible Accommodation has evolved from a mere trend to a global strategic investment sector. The most recent proof of this transformation is the significant investment of 7 million (GBP 5.5 million) made by the Oman Investment Authority (OIA)Oman's sovereign wealth fund, in the British company UnderTheDoormat Group (UTDG).

This move is much more than a simple injection of capital; it is a partnership with a deep strategic vision. For UnderTheDoormat GroupThis investment is the fuel to accelerate its global expansion and boost its B2B technology platform, TrustedStays. The trust of a sovereign wealth fund validates its business model, which focuses on the professional and accredited management of short-stay rentals, targeting corporate and government clients.

From the perspective of Omaninvestment is a key part of its ambitious strategy. "Oman Vision 2040which seeks to diversify the economy beyond oil and gas, with tourism as one of its pillars. The sovereign wealth fund is not only seeking a financial return, but is "importing" the technology and the know-how of UTDG to professionalise its own market of Flexible Accommodation. The aim is to use the TrustedStays platform to develop and manage a portfolio of short-term rental properties in Oman, raising quality and standards to attract more affluent international tourism.

The platform TrustedStays is at the heart of this collaboration. It is not just a simple booking portal; it is a B2B ecosystem that aggregates a network of properties from Flexible Accommodation professionally managed and meet rigorous accreditation standards. This ensures security, quality and consistency, crucial elements for government and corporate clients who need reliable hosting solutions for their mobile employees.

This alliance between a sovereign wealth fund and a technology company from Flexible Accommodation is a clear indicator of the maturity of the sector. It demonstrates that professionally managed short-term rental is no longer just an alternative to the hotel, but a strategic asset class, capable of attracting top-tier institutional investment and playing a key role in countries' economic development strategies.

The next edition Vitur Summit 2026 will take place in Malaga on Thursdays 13 and 14 May and will once again be the meeting point for operators, investors and companies in the sector to boost their business, establish strategic alliances with the different agents involved and gain access to all the latest news, trends and opportunities in the sector from leading speakers and companies.

Continue reading

Catalonia Bans Speculative Buying: Large Holders Will Not Be Able to Invest in 271 Municipalities with Capped Rents
The government of Salvador Illa and Jéssica Albiach's Comuns have agreed a reform of the urban planning law that redefines the rules of the game for investors and operators of Flexible Accommodation in Catalonia. With fines of up to 1.5 million euros and the figure of the large landlord reduced to five properties, the measure —which affects 90% of the Catalan population— introduces unprecedented restrictions in Spain for the accumulation of residential assets in high-demand areas.
Madrid Redefines Flexible Accommodation: New Tourism Law Recognises it as Official Accommodation and Raises Standards
The Community of Madrid has launched one of the most far-reaching reforms for the Flexible Accommodation sector. The new draft Tourism Law will recognise for the first time the Tourist Use Dwellings (VUT) as a type of official tourist accommodation, establishing a framework that seeks professionalisation, quality and greater legal security.
Portugal Ventures Accelerates Flexible Accommodation Innovation with 1.5 Million Investment in Feel Sampa
Portugal's tourism ecosystem gets a new boost. Portugal Ventures has injected €1.5 million in the startup Feel Sampa, a technology platform designed to revolutionise the management of Flexible Accommodation. This strategic investment aims to consolidate Portugal as an innovation hub in the hospitality industry.
The Short Stay Rental Challenge in 2026: How European Regulation is Filtering the Professional Market
On 5 February 2026, the European Parliament adopted key legislative proposals to tackle the housing crisis on the continent.
Andalusia, Queen of Europe: Flexible Accommodation Conquers the Lead Ahead of the Côte d'Azur
The Andalusian region has been crowned as the most demanded destination in Europe for Flexible Accommodation, surpassing iconic locations such as the Côte d'Azur or Catalonia. With a record 26.6 million overnight stays in 2025, the sector is proving to be a key economic pillar, dominated by small owners and in the midst of adapting to a new regulatory framework.
The Inexhaustible Power of PBSA: Student Residences Consolidate as Spain's Star Flexible Accommodation Asset
Far from being a passing fad, investment in student housing (PBSA) in Spain confirms its long-term appeal. The sector's major operators point to structurally solid demand and a shortage of quality supply as the drivers of a segment that continues to attract institutional capital and defy any signs of drying up.