@Susan990
I don't really understand this either. I switched to long term stays a while back (pre-COVID). I was vaguely aware that Airbnb started promoting hosting longer stays after the pandemic started but, as I was already doing it, I didn't pay much attention and I wasn't even aware of a monthly stays platform.
I have a minimum stay of 28 days, but also get guests who stay a few months. While things were slow for part of 2020 and 2021 due to lockdowns, other restrictions, Airbnb blocking the calendars of shared listings etc. and I also didn't want a house full of guests at certain times, I've otherwise got plenty of these bookings via the regular Airbnb booking channel. Right now, I have more guests wanting to book my rooms than I can accommodate.
Of course, if you block out certain dates for changeovers etc. your listing is not going to show up in the search results for guests who are looking to check in on those dates, but guests who are a bit more flexible about the dates may spend a bit more time searching and contact you to double check if you have the availability. I do get guests messaging me about dates that are shown as unavailable in the calendar, so they are still finding me.
There is obviously a high demand for longer stays here in London and, from what guests tell me, the pickings are quite slim. From what you say, there is plenty of demand in your area too so I don't understand how your business can be destroyed. Guests can and do book long term stays via the regular Airbnb search. Perhaps it will just take a little while for your occupancy to go back up.