European Hotels Challenge Airbnb’s Overtourism Claims

The issue of overtourism has sparked significant debate across Europe, with cities like Barcelona, Genoa, and Lisbon witnessing protests against the influx of tourists. The question of who bears responsibility for this phenomenon has become a contentious topic, with vacation rental giant Airbnb and hotel operators presenting opposing views.

Airbnb’s Perspective

In mid-June, Airbnb released a report titled “Overtourism in the EU,” which attributed the majority of tourist stays to hotels, claiming that short-term rentals (STRs) constitute a minor segment of the tourism ecosystem. Airbnb argued that STRs could help alleviate overtourism by dispersing tourists away from overcrowded areas and providing flexible accommodation capacity during peak periods. The company also highlighted airlines and cruise ships as significant contributors to the influx of tourists into historical centers.

Airbnb’s report called on leaders to address the impact of hotels on overtourism and promote tourism that supports local communities. The company emphasized that removing STRs would not solve overcrowding issues and suggested solutions, such as promoting tourism dispersal and managing visitor access to historical sites.

Criticism of Airbnb’s Claims

Critics of Airbnb’s report argue that the company is attempting to deflect blame due to increasing legal challenges it faces. Debbie Hindle, chair of the International Centre for Responsible Tourism (ICRT), noted that Airbnb’s model is under threat from growing legislation in various cities, which could impact its business volumes and share price. In Spain, for instance, the government ordered Airbnb to remove 65,000 illegal listings, which resulted in a drop in the company’s share price.

Fabián González, a market analyst at Phocuswright, suggested that an independent organization should verify Airbnb’s claims to ensure objectivity. He emphasized the need for a thorough and unbiased analysis of the impact of STRs on overtourism.

Hotel Industry’s Response

European hotels have expressed dissatisfaction with Airbnb’s stance, arguing that they are being unfairly scapegoated. Gabriel Escarrer, CEO of Meliá Hotels International, highlighted that while hotel accommodations in Spain grew modestly over the past decade, vacation rentals surged by 135%, exceeding the destinations’ capacity. He pointed out that hotels are subject to strict regulations and urban planning, whereas tourist rental homes have proliferated without such oversight.

Escarrer emphasized Meliá’s efforts to address overtourism by focusing on premium and luxury segments, as well as implementing a responsible tourism program. Accor, another major hotel group, echoed these sentiments, stating that hotels make a positive contribution to local economies and communities.

Efforts to Address Overtourism

The hotel industry is actively working on initiatives to tackle overtourism. Meliá’s Escarrer, who also leads the Spanish tourism think tank Exceltur, stressed the importance of rigorous analysis and collaboration between the public and private sectors to mitigate the impacts of overcrowding. Exceltur has launched a public-private initiative, Turismo Que Suma, aimed at promoting a more respectful and positive tourism model.

González from Phocuswright underscored the complexity of the overtourism issue, emphasizing the need for regulation of STRs to ensure they fall under local governance. He noted that illegal listings on platforms like Airbnb pose risks to customers and create unfair competition for compliant businesses.

Discover more at PhocusWire.