VRWS Leadership Interview of the Day
In approaching the 12th 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.
Birgit Wirth
- What inspired you to enter the vacation rental industry?
We saw a clear opportunity to solve one of the biggest pain points for vacation rental hosts: managing guest check-ins and key handovers. The process of manual key handovers is time-consuming, and often stressful—both for hosts and their guests. That’s what inspired us to introduce smart access solutions that automate processes and simplify the experience. Our mission has always been to make hosting more efficient, secure, and hassle-free—freeing up time for hosts and delivering a smoother stay for guests.
- What sets your company apart in the vacation rental industry, and how do you ensure you stay ahead of the competition?
We’re not just offering smart locks—we’re shaping the future of smart access in vacation rentals. Our vision is a world without physical keys, where secure, automated entry is the norm, simplifying hosting for millions across Europe and beyond.
What truly sets us apart is our Smart Hosting solution, which goes far beyond eliminating key handovers. By seamlessly integrating with leading Property Management Systems (PMS), access codes are generated and sent fully automatically for each booking—no manual effort required. Hosts can manage multiple properties remotely and no longer need to coordinate check-ins or send codes individually; the entire process runs in the background, saving time and reducing operational overhead.
We launched a completely new product line this year that is tailored to meet diverse needs: from the affordable Nuki Go for budget-conscious hosts to the premium Pro and Ultra models for those prioritizing speed, design, and advanced security. Installation is quick and hassle-free—our retrofit smart lock mounts onto existing locks in minutes, without drilling or complex setup.
As pioneers in the industry, we don’t just follow trends – we create them. Our dynamic and diverse team is dedicated to continuously evolve our solutions to stay ahead—always focused on convenience, security, and creating smarter hosting experiences.
- If you attended the 2024 Vacation Rental World Summit in Porto, what was the most exciting or valuable takeaway for you? Looking ahead to the 2025 edition in Rome, what are you hoping to gain or experience this time?
Attending the 2024 Vacation Rental World Summit in Porto was an incredible opportunity to gain deep market insights and better understand the evolving needs of vacation rental hosts and PMS providers. The most valuable takeaway was the chance to engage directly with industry professionals, learning firsthand about their challenges and expectations. Building personal connections with our customers and partners allowed us to refine our approach and ensure our solutions truly meet their needs.
We are excited about the 2025 edition in Rome, as it presents another great opportunity to explore the Italian market and its specific requirements. Beyond gaining further industry insights, we see this as a chance to strengthen existing partnerships and build new relationships with hosts and PMS providers. Additionally, we look forward to showcasing our new product lineup, demonstrating how our latest innovations can make hosting even more efficient and secure.
- Beyond business, what’s one experience or destination that left a lasting impression on you, and why?
Walking through the narrow streets of Porto left an unforgettable impression. The blend of historic architecture, charming restaurants, and the serene life by the river creates an atmosphere that feels both authentic and timeless—offering a sense of calm and quiet inspiration. And, of course, Alfândega do Porto proved to be the perfect setting for the event.
- What’s one fun fact, hidden talent, or little-known secret about you that other attendees should know to spark a great conversation with you?
I wouldn’t say I have a remarkable hidden talent, but if you want to spark a great conversation with me, just bring up sports! I’m always up for a discussion about the latest games, and I’m especially passionate about MotoGP. So if you’re a fan of fast bikes and thrilling races or if you like to practice sports actively, I’d love to chat!
You’ll have the opportunity to meet Birgit directly at VRWS in Rome
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