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European Hotels Challenge Airbnb’s Overtourism Claims-Image Credit Unsplash
The issue of overtourism has actually stimulated substantial debate throughout Europe, with cities like Barcelona, Genoa, and Lisbon witnessing protests against the increase of tourists. The concern of who bears obligation for this phenomenon has ended up being a controversial subject, with vacation rental giant Airbnb and hotel operators presenting opposing views.
Airbnb’s Point of view
In mid-June, Airbnb launched a report titled “Overtourism in the EU,” which attributed most of traveler remains to hotels, claiming that short-term rentals (STRs) make up a minor segment of the tourist ecosystem. Airbnb argued that STRs could assist reduce overtourism by distributing travelers away from overcrowded areas and providing versatile lodging capability throughout peak durations. The business also highlighted airlines and cruise liner as significant contributors to the influx of travelers into historical centers.
Airbnb’s report gotten in touch with leaders to address the effect of hotels on overtourism and promote tourism that supports regional neighborhoods. The company highlighted that getting rid of STRs would not resolve overcrowding issues and recommended options, such as promoting tourist dispersal and managing visitor access to archaeological sites.
Criticism of Airbnb’s Claims
Critics of Airbnb’s report argue that the company is trying to deflect blame due to increasing legal challenges it deals with. Debbie Hindle, chair of the International Centre for Accountable Tourist (ICRT), kept in mind that Airbnb’s model is under risk from growing legislation in numerous cities, which might affect its business volumes and share cost. In Spain, for instance, the government bought Airbnb to eliminate 65,000 prohibited listings, which resulted in a drop in the company’s share price.
Fabián González, a market expert at Phocuswright, suggested that an independent organization should verify Airbnb’s claims to ensure objectivity. He stressed the need for an extensive and unbiased analysis of the effect of STRs on overtourism.
Hotel Market’s Action
European hotels have actually expressed dissatisfaction with Airbnb’s position, arguing that they are being unjustly scapegoated. Gabriel Escarrer, CEO of Meliá Hotels International, highlighted that while hotel accommodations in Spain grew modestly over the past years, getaway rentals rose by 135%, exceeding the locations’ capability. He explained that hotels undergo rigorous policies and urban planning, whereas tourist rental homes have actually multiplied without such oversight.
Escarrer highlighted Meliá’s efforts to address overtourism by focusing on premium and luxury segments, in addition to executing an accountable tourist program. Accor, another significant hotel group, echoed these beliefs, stating that hotels make a favorable contribution to local economies and neighborhoods.
Efforts to Address Overtourism
The hotel market is actively working on initiatives to take on overtourism. Meliá’s Escarrer, who likewise leads the Spanish tourism think tank Exceltur, stressed the significance of strenuous analysis and cooperation in between the general public and private sectors to mitigate the effects of overcrowding. Exceltur has released a public-private effort, Turismo Que Suma, focused on promoting a more respectful and positive tourist model.
González from Phocuswright highlighted the intricacy of the overtourism problem, highlighting the need for guideline of STRs to guarantee they fall under regional governance. He noted that prohibited listings on platforms like Airbnb posture risks to consumers and create unfair competitors for compliant organizations.
Discover more at PhocusWire.