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Airbnb backs creation of EU digital regulator in face of court victory
Reading Time: 2 minutesEurope: After its landmark court victory, Airbnb has expressed support for the creation of a digital regulation body. It hopes that this body will be a part of discussions on the upcoming digital services act currently being proposed. Airbnb’s court victory in the European Court of Justice declared it a digital services platform rather than […]
Airbnb remains in operation in Wuhan in spite of Coronavirus
Reading Time: 2 minutesChina: While concerns about the coronavirus spread through China, Airbnb has quietly decided to remain operating. The company’s rentals are still available in the city of Wuhan, the cradle of the coronavirus. Official policy from the company is to allow individual hosts to determine whether or not to accept bookings. They are, however, offering a […]
Dutch court forces Amsterdam Airbnb hosts to seek permits
Reading Time: 2 minutesThe Netherlands: The Raad van State, the Netherlands’ highest court, declared that in opposition to city policy, Airbnb hosts will need to seek operating permits. This is in line with national housing law, of which the city’s 20,000 hosts were alleged to have been in breach. In addition to the ruling, the court tripled the […]
Catherine Powell hired to lead Airbnb Experiences division
Reading Time: 2 minutesUS: Airbnb has named former Disney executive Catherine Powell as the new head of its Experiences program, which offers travellers and guests the opportunity to partake in immersive tours and activities led by local hosts. Powell takes over the role from Joe Zadeh, who was the figurehead behind the launch of Airbnb Experiences in 2016 […]
Airbnb starts Valentine’s contest to stay a night in Verona
Reading Time: 2 minutesWorldwide: For couples who seek a spark of classical romance this Valentine’s Day, Airbnb is offering a free night in Verona, Shakespeare’s city of love. The company will offer one lucky couple one-night free accommodation in Juliet’s house, complete with Michelin starred food and romantic photography. The contest asks that couples write a letter to […]
Airbnb partners with Bahamas National Trust for post-Dorian sabbatical
Reading Time: 2 minutesBahamas: Airbnb has partnered with NGO Bahamas National Trust to announce their joint Bahamas Sabbatical, where five lucky volunteers will help to restore the country after being devastated by Hurricane Dorian. The venture is being called a “once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to help preserve an archipelago” by Airbnb as restoration efforts continue following the hurricane between August 2019 […]
Airbnb delivers fraud lawsuit to Miami development partner
Reading Time: 2 minutesUS: Airbnb is serving a lawsuit to Miami based developer Harvey Hernandez, accusing him of fraud after they had embarked on a partnership in mid 2019. According to the filed lawsuit, Airbnb had provided capital to Hernandez’s Newgard Development Group, for the opening of at least seven projects in 2019. Apparently, none have opened as […]
Airbnb launches sustainability education hub for Big Energy Saving Week
Reading Time: 2 minutesUK: Airbnb has launched an online resource for hosts and homeowners looking for advice on how to become more sustainable and energy efficient to mark Big Energy Saving Week. The hub features educational videos from energy saving experts at Big Clean Switch, anti-food waste app Oilo and eco-friendly superhosts on Airbnb. Over the coming months, […]
London Councils calls for more regulatory power of short-term lets
Reading Time: 2 minutesUK: The London Councils, representatives of the city’s 32 boroughs and the City of London corporation, has made a plea for increased regulatory power after the reveal that a significant number of homes in the capital are being used as short-term lets. The organisation has called the problem “out of control”, according to Inside Housing, […]
Airbnb hires Jesse Stein as global head of real estate
Reading Time: 2 minutesUS: Airbnb has announced its hiring of Jesse Stein, former senior VP at KHP Capital Partners, to serve as its global head of real estate. The move shows continued interest by Airbnb in direct real estate investment, eyeing up more traditional hotel and housing style properties. KHP Capital is a real estate private equity firm […]