Last updated: Monday, 24 August 2026

These Sponsored Listings & Spotlight Program Terms (“Sponsorship Terms”) explain how paid and admin-granted listing spotlight works on StayWorld Bookings. They apply to hosts who purchase a spotlight plan or receive a sponsored placement from our team, and they work together with our Terms of Service, Listing Terms, Partner Booking Policy, and Payments Policy.

1. What spotlight means

A spotlight (also shown to guests as Sponsored) is a time-limited placement that may give your listing:

• Higher visibility in search results, Explore, category browsing, and related recommendation areas
• A clear “Sponsored” label so guests know the placement is promoted
• Rotation in dedicated sponsored rows alongside other active spotlight listings

Spotlight improves discovery; it does not guarantee bookings, reviews, or a specific ranking position at all times.

2. Who may apply

• Only the registered host or authorized manager of an active listing may purchase spotlight for that listing.
• Listings must comply with our Listing Terms, community standards, and applicable law.
• We may decline, pause, or end spotlight for listings that are inaccurate, unavailable, unsafe, misleading, or under review for policy concerns.

3. Plans, pricing, and payment

• Standard spotlight plans, durations, and prices are shown on the spotlight checkout page in US dollars.
• Payments are processed through mobile money, bank, or card where available. Other methods may be added later.
• Spotlight begins after payment is confirmed. If a listing already has active spotlight time, a new purchase adds to the current end date.
• Custom durations or enterprise campaigns may be arranged by contacting sponsorship@stayworld.app.
• Spotlight fees are for visibility services unless otherwise stated in writing. They are separate from booking commissions, platform fees, and guest charges.

4. How search and discovery work

StayWorld Bookings uses relevance signals such as location, category, dates, guest preferences, listing quality, and booking history. Active spotlight listings may receive additional visibility in search and browse experiences. Sponsored listings are always labeled for guests. Organic listings remain eligible based on the same quality and relevance standards.

5. Guest transparency

• Sponsored listings display a Sponsored badge or equivalent clear label.
• Hosts must not misrepresent a listing as organically top-ranked when it is sponsored.
• Guests should still review photos, amenities, reviews, house rules, and cancellation terms before booking.

6. Host responsibilities during spotlight

• Keep pricing, availability, photos, and descriptions accurate for the entire spotlight period.
• Honor confirmed bookings and respond promptly to guest messages.
• Do not use spotlight to promote unavailable inventory, bait pricing, or policy violations.

7. Admin-granted and complimentary spotlight

StayWorld Bookings may grant sponsored placement for editorial, launch, or support reasons. Admin-granted spotlight follows the same labeling and quality rules as paid spotlight unless we state otherwise in writing.

8. Pausing, removal, and refunds

• We may pause or remove spotlight immediately if a listing breaches these terms, receives serious guest safety reports, or creates legal or fraud risk.
• If we remove spotlight for a host-caused policy breach, fees are generally not refunded.
• If a technical error prevents spotlight from activating after confirmed payment, contact support promptly. We will review records and offer a fair remedy, which may include extension or refund where appropriate.
• Chargebacks and payment disputes are handled under our Payments Policy and the rules of the payment provider.

9. Taxes and records

Hosts are responsible for any taxes that apply to their business. StayWorld Bookings maintains payment and spotlight records needed to operate the program and support hosts and regulators where required.

10. Changes

We may update plan pricing, durations, or these Sponsorship Terms as the Platform evolves. Material changes will be posted with an updated date. Continued use of spotlight after the effective date means you accept the revised terms for new purchases.

11. Contact

• Sponsorship team: sponsorship@stayworld.app
• General support: support@stayworld.app
• Contact support