By Andy Beaven Scottish Mail Sunday 4 May 2024 22:54 Updated 4 May 2024 22:58
Global companies launch devastating attack on ‘poor’ short-term rental policies
Airbnb has launched a damning attack on the SNP’s “flawed” short-term rental policy, claiming it is driving tourists away from Scotland.
A $100 billion global accommodation company has said tourists are turning away from Scotland because of the Scottish Government’s bureaucratic confusion over holiday rentals.
Under government rules, anyone who rents out a room or home on a short-term basis must apply to their local authority for a license worth up to £5,800.
Airbnb says the restrictions are driving away visitors, particularly to towns in the north of England, and depriving Scottish homeowners of much-needed cash.
They also argue that the licensing system is failing to deliver promised benefits to local residents.
Airbnb hosts claim the provider is losing money and new regulations are hurting tourism, licensing system reduces supply on sites like Airbnb and Taylor Swift fans are losing space I can not find it
Airbnb is thought to be trying to persuade the Scottish Government to review and change the rules.
The latest scathing assessment of the SNP plans comes as the Mail on Sunday reveals Edinburgh’s famous festival faces an accommodation crisis with new rules cutting rental spots in the city by 90 per cent. It was announced after.
The crackdown on short-term rentals was aimed at increasing the availability and affordability of properties for long-term residential rentals.
But Airbnb says rents are actually rising.
In a report titled “Six months on: Update on the impact of Scotland’s short-term rental regulations,” the company said: “The introduction of short-term rental regulations in Scotland will harm the tourism industry and create a financial burden for local families.” “It limits opportunities,” he concluded.
“Despite these measures, they have not had a positive impact, with house and rental prices reaching their highest annual rates in nearly a decade.”
Amanda Couples, Airbnb’s general manager for Northern Europe, added: “Our data shows that Scotland’s short-term rental rules are not working in the interests of local families.”
Since the system came into force, hotel and rental prices have increased, tourism is expected to suffer, and families have lost a vital source of income.
“Airbnb has worked with governments around the world to balance the benefits of short-term rentals with local housing issues. We look forward to working with Scotland to advance policies that benefit everyone. I think so.”
The attack by Airbnb follows warnings about the future of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, with a number of celebrities claiming accommodation in the city has become so expensive that artists can no longer afford to perform there. .
Former BBC presenter Gail Porter said she was “overpriced” to show in her hometown, while comedian Jason Manford said Edinburgh’s prices were “an absolute joke”.
Meanwhile, demand for sold-out events like Taylor Swift’s concert in June also helped push prices to stratospheric levels.
The rules requiring councils to operate a short-term permit system came into effect in October last year.
If you want to rent out anything from a room in a shared apartment to an entire castle or even a room in a B&B or guesthouse, you’ll need to apply for a license and pay a fee.
The rules were aimed at curbing the number of short-term rentals, particularly in Edinburgh, where some residents complained of an influx of tourists.
But tourism organizations and accommodation providers warned the rules were tough, costly and created a huge bureaucratic burden, hurting businesses already struggling with inflationary pressures and the legacy of the pandemic.
Conservative MP Murdo Fraser said: “This damning report shows the harmful reality of the SNP’s flawed short-term rental policy.”
“Tourists are turning their backs on Scotland and small business owners are hurting.”
Airbnb was founded in the United States in 2008 and is now the world’s best-known online destination for short-term stays.
We advertise around 5 million properties in 100,000 towns and cities around the world. The company believes Scotland’s new rules are having a negative impact.
Gail Porter says she was turned away from festival
The report said: “A disruption in supply will limit accommodation options for guests, limit income opportunities for families and hurt small businesses that rely on visitors to Scotland.” Says.
Airbnb also pointed out that the introduction of the licensing system did not make long-term rental costs cheaper for residents.
According to the report, “long-term rents rose 6.8% in the 12 months to January 2024.”
This increase is the highest annual rate in more than a decade, showing that new rules for short-term rentals are not immediately leading to improvements in rent affordability. ”
Airbnb claimed that some travelers were heading elsewhere, saying: “With fewer options available, travelers are increasingly turning their attention to the north of England.”
“Cities such as Liverpool and Newcastle have seen a spike in searches, suggesting they are becoming an attractive option for travelers.”
Catherine Sutherland, an Airbnb host from Edinburgh, said providers like her were losing out.
She added: “The restrictions are having a negative impact on tourism. People are struggling to find affordable accommodation and visits to Scotland have been effectively stopped.”
The Scottish Government has defended the licensing system. The report said: “The number of international travelers to Scotland has recovered from the pandemic at a faster pace than the rest of the UK.”
“The introduction of the license ensures safety and quality for our guests.”
