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Airbnb sees rise in bookings but warns of Delta variant impact
Reading Time: 2 minutesUS: In its latest earnings report, Airbnb has reported a 320 per cent increase in bookings this summer, but has warned that reservations over the autumn and winter could be heavily disrupted by the escalating outbreak of the Delta variant of the coronavirus in the United States. While the global booking platform posted a surge […]
Airbnb introduces wifi speed test tool on mobile app
Reading Time: < 1 minuteUS: Airbnb has introduced a new tool on its mobile app which will allow hosts to test and list their home’s wifi speed on listings, as a nod to the burgeoning work-from-anywhere phenomenon. With many travellers not just renting on Airbnb for short getaways but for remote working purposes, a fast and reliable internet connection […]
Airbnb unveils trending British seaside destinations in 2021
Reading Time: 2 minutesUK: Airbnb has revealed the top ten trending British seaside destinations in the UK, as schools begin to break up for the summer. Sandgate in Kent and Ingoldmells in Lincolnshire topped the list after seeing the biggest rise in Brits searching for homes on the platform, whether it is families, friends or solo travellers. British […]
Airbnb suspends Australian host for refusing vaccinated guests
Reading Time: 2 minutesAustralia: Airbnb has suspended one of its ‘Superhosts’ in the southeast Australian state of Victoria for refusing to rent to a couple who had received the Covid-19 vaccine. The incident began when Steve Carey attempted to book a holiday via the home-sharing platform in Victoria, prior to the latest Melbourne outbreak, for him and his partner. When […]
Airbnb creates UK Trust and Safety Alliance
Reading Time: 2 minutesUK: In what has been called a “European first”, Airbnb has launched the UK Trust and Safety Alliance, a network of expert organisations that will work closely with the home-sharing platform in the UK and provide information and guidance to hosts and the Airbnb community. Founding members of the Trust and Safety Alliance include the […]
How will Airbnb’s Olympic / Paralympic legacy be defined?
Reading Time: 10 minutesWorldwide: In 24 hours’ time, the eyes of the world will be on Japan for the delayed 2020 Olympic Games, as well as its global partners and sponsors, including Airbnb. On the eve of one of the most polarised Games in modern times, there is as much at stake for the home-sharing platform as there […]
Airbnb lobbies Irish housing minister for “fair” regulations
Reading Time: 2 minutesIreland: Airbnb is encouraging Irish housing minister Darragh O’Brien to introduce “fair and proportionate” regulations for short-term rentals in Ireland. Historically, Airbnb has been met with criticism in Ireland, and around the world, for being perceived to increase rent costs and hold unfair advantages in competition with local businesses, due to differing levels of scrutiny and regulation. The […]
Study links Airbnb listings to increased rates of violence
Reading Time: 3 minutesUS: New research published this week has suggested that the presence of Airbnb listings in neighbourhoods is leading to an increase in violent crimes being committed over time. The peer-reviewed study, published in the journal PLOS ONE and conducted by Northeastern University in Boston, USA, analysed the veracity of news reports linking short-term rental platforms […]
Airbnb partners with what3words to support UK staycations
Reading Time: 3 minutesUK: Airbnb and location tech app what3words have announced a collaboration in support of the booming demand for holiday properties in the UK, as Brits look forward to increased freedom following the latest lifting of restrictions. As many Brits look to holiday closer to home this summer, what3words says it is envisaging a travel rebound […]
Vrbo and TripAdvisor update traveller safety policies
Reading Time: 2 minutesWorldwide: Short-term rental platforms, including Vrbo [an Expedia Group brand] and TripAdvisor, are tightening their safety policies for travellers in the wake of allegations of violent crimes taking place at Airbnb listings. The former has made the decision to ban hosts from leaving keys in public places “where the owner, property manager or staff is […]