On Thursday, Airbnb unveiled a roadmap for the next decade with plans for new property types, including boutiques, and new tiers like Airbnb Plus, which will include “top placement, in-home services such as design consultation and expert photography, and premium support” from the company.
The American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) released the following statement from its Vice President of State and Local Government Affairs, Troy Flanagan, in regards to Airbnb’s announcement about launching its new Airbnb Plus and Boutique programs.
“Whether it’s called Plus or Boutique program, Airbnb‘s latest scheme is just further proof the company is trying to play in the hoteling space while evading industry regulations,” Flanagan said. “If Airbnb wants to enter the hoteling business, then it needs to be regulated, taxed, and subject to the same safety compliances and oversight that law-abiding hotel companies adhere to each and every day.“
“The question that cities and neighborhoods should be asking—will these ‘Plus’ or ‘Boutique’ listings include commercial operators exploiting Airbnb’s platform to run illegal hoteling schemes that have fractured our communities, raised serious safety concerns and increased the price of rent while depleting affordable housing options,” Flanagan added.
Troy Flanagan is absolutely right. Imagine if hotels followed the Airbnb business model? No fire suppression, no hotel tax, set up anywhere with no worries from city commissioners and building inspectors. Airbnb is a wannabee hoteling that would not exist if it had to play on the same field as the hotel industry. The worst part i’ts an illegal monopoly by all forms.