VRWS Leadership Interview of the Day
In approaching the 10th edition of the Vacation Rental World Summit, we’re releasing a series of interviews to leaders, key players and highly motivated people in our industry whose companies make a deep impact in our space and will be present at VRWS.
The aim is to get you some insight into these leaders and the company they founded, manage or work for, as well as getting some behind the scenes on their thinking, their motivation and their drive.

TOIVO HALVORSEN
Describe your career in the vacation rental industry and how you reached your current position in the company.
In February 2009, during the aftermath of the great recession, I began my journey in the vacation rental industry by renting out apartments near Times Square. Balancing this endeavor, I pursued an MBA focused on Sustainability, which reinforced my belief in business as a force for positive change. This ethos is reflected in our company, Dharma Home Suites, which prioritizes non-toxic cleaning methods for the benefit of our guests and the environment. Building this business has been a transformative experience for me, and while we’ve achieved much, I see it as just the beginning of our industry journey.
In your opinion, what are the main current challenges in the vacation rental industry, and how do you think your company can help overcome them?
Staffing challenges are prevalent in this industry, and to address this, we’ve developed cutting-edge technology. Our AI assistant, paired with a robust Knowledge Database (KDB), provides property managers and hotel owners with tools that can significantly streamline their processes, ultimately saving both time and money.
What are your expectations for the 2023 edition of VRWS in Barcelona, and what makes you particularly interested in attending this specific edition?
I’m confident that visitors to VRWS Barcelona will be able to witness and recognize the remarkable progress we’ve made over the past year in revolutionizing the technological landscape for property managers. We are also excited to unveil our new and refreshed look which underscores our vision for the industry’s future. Our rebranding isn’t just aesthetic — it’s a symbol of our growth, adaptability, and commitment to innovation.
Could you provide a brief preview of what attendees can expect from your participation during the Vacation Rental World Summit?
We are excited to offer exclusive discounts to VRWS attendees for our OPS platform and the comprehensive package.
You’ll have the opportunity to meet Toivo directly at VRWS in Barcelona
Not Yet Registered for VRWS?