When hoteliers are at risk of losing market share to a new competitor, you can bet they’ll have a lot to say on the matter. Here are five opinions on Airbnb from industry leaders who spoke at the 2015 Lodging Conference in Phoenix this week:
“We can learn a lot from Airbnb in terms of this experiential thing they’re creating, but at the same time, we as hotel guys, owners, and builders should ensure those guys play by same rules we do. Competition is great—we all believe in competition. But we’re subject to the Americans with Disabilities Act, fire and life safety standards, and insurance. If it’s going to be a business, it should compete as a business with us.” —Liam Brown, President, North America, Select & Extended Stay Lodging & Owner Franchise Services, Marriott International
“Do we look at Airbnb? Yes. Do we look at where they have a presence and where they might be a competitor? Yes. If we didn’t look at it, frankly, we probably should be ushered out the door, because it’s new supply coming into the business.” —Simon Turner, President, Global Development, Starwood Hotels & Resorts
“I don’t think anybody in this industry is very concerned about somebody who occasionally rents a room in their home. But we’re seeing a trend, certainly in the big cities, of individuals who are coming in and buying up blocks of apartments or condos, effectively renting them out 365 days of the year. Those are commercial enterprises. Once you’re a commercial enterprise, go get a business license, respect your zoning, take care of your customer and your guest as we do, respect your safety and security, and pay your taxes.” —Katherine Lugar, President and CEO, AH&LA
“I can see Airbnb moving toward the OTA model. The way we can fight it from a brand standpoint is to increase brand loyalty.” —David Pepper, President, Upscale and Extended Stay Brands and SVP, Development, Choice Hotels
“The big issue all of us in the industry need to think about is the person who has one apartment that he or she rents out occasionally and is really a true host. That person usually will leave a welcome note or maybe some fresh bread. That owner is now competing with your front desk agent. The challenge is, how can we, through our leadership and management, provide an experience at the hotel level with our staff and associates.” —Javier Rosenberg, COO and EVP Managed Hotels, Americas, Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group
