Web firms have unfair advantage says hotel boss
Online accommodation providers such as Airbnb should be regulated in the same way as traditional hotel groups according to the CEO of InterContinental Hotels Group.
Citing Airbnb as an example, IHG’s Richard Solomons said traditional hotels are at a "disadvantage" compared to less labor-intensive internet ventures.
Conceding that the Airbnb platform is an "an interesting concept," Solomons would like to see a level playing field for all accommodation firms.
"What about fire and safety, food standards, what about security issues and cleanliness – all those things that we as hoteliers are required to keep to a standard? What about paying tax?" he said.
"Governance and regulation needs to treat online businesses the same way as existing businesses so that existing businesses are not put at a disadvantage."
Based in San Francisco, Airbnb matches travelers with accommodation ‘hosts’ who rent out their spare rooms, apartments, villas and houses, and the company claims to have over 500,000 listings worldwide on its website as of September 2013.
An Airbnb spokesman said most hosts only rent out space in their home occasionally to visitors and the website urges all hosts to comply with relevant local tax and housing laws.
TravelMole Editorial Team
Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
Vegas’s Billion-Dollar Secrets – What They Don’t Want Tourists to Know
Visit Florida’s New CEO Bryan Griffin Shares His Vision for State Tourism with Graham
Chicago’s Tourism Renaissance: Graham Interviews Kristin Reynolds of Choose Chicago
Graham Talks with Cassandra McCauley of MMGY NextFactor About the Latest Industry Research
Destination International’s Andreas Weissenborn: Research, Advocacy, and Destination Impact
Graham and Don Welsh Discuss the Success of Destinations International’s Annual Conference
Graham and CEO Andre Kiwitz on Ventura Travel’s UK Move and Recruitment for the Role
Brett Laiken and Graham Discuss Florida’s Tourism Momentum and Global Appeal
Graham and Elliot Ferguson on Positioning DC as a Cultural and Inclusive Global Destination
Graham Talks to Fraser Last About His England-to-Ireland Trek for Mental Health Awareness
Kathy Nelson Tells Graham About the Honour of Hosting the World Cup and Kansas City’s Future
Graham McKenzie on Sir Richie Richardson’s Dual Passion for Golf and His Homeland, Antigua
ADS PRO 
Airlines suspend Madagascar services following unrest and army revolt
Qatar Airways offers flexible payment options for European travellers
TAP Air Portugal to operate 29 flights due to strike on December 11
Air Mauritius reduces frequencies to Europe and Asia for the holiday season
Airbnb eyes a loyalty program but details remain under wraps