Angry residents fight back against AirBnB as the short-term home rental business reaches plague proportions

  • AirBnB listings have skyrocketed but the increase comes at a cost for locals
  • Many local hotels, motels and registered BNBs can't compete with AirBnB
  • In addition to local hotels, cafes and transport also being pushed to the limit
  • Residents resent their neigbourhoods being overrun by unruly tourists 

The number of AirBnB listings in Australia has skyrocketed in the past 18 months, raising the anger of businesses who have had their trade slashed and residents who have seen their neighbourhoods overrun by tourists.

While the 'share economy' offers a range of 'low cost' accommodation options for weary travellers, the benefit often comes at a cost to local communities.

Many local accommodation providers, such as hotels, motels, and registered BNBs, can't compete with AirBnB and are at risk of losing their business altogether.   

The number of AirBnB listings in Australia has skyrocketed in the past 18 months, but not everyone is pleased to see the short-term accommodation thrive

The number of AirBnB listings in Australia has skyrocketed in the past 18 months, but not everyone is pleased to see the short-term accommodation thrive

Travel expert James Tang told Daily Mail Australia one of the reasons why Airbnb is thriving in Australia is because it offers an unique travel experience.  

'The price game is tricky to beat however we are seeing a lot of local hotels have started focusing on creating memorable experience for travellers,' Mr Tang said.

Many local businesses are being forced to slash prices and accept lower profit margins to stay in the game - and not doing so could prove fatal for the business.  

Mr Tang said it's also important to remember the key thing hotels can offer – service.

'Some travellers simply prefer having their room cleaned daily and enjoy room service,' he said.  

One struggling boutique BNB owner in Launceston, Tasmania, who chose to remain anonymous, told YourLifeChoices the share economy was affecting their livelihood. 

'I'm not against Airbnb. It has its place, but it's grown so quickly and there are just too many listings,' the person said. 

Angry residents and local businesses say AirBnB has grown so quickly that there are just too many listings

Angry residents and local businesses say AirBnB has grown so quickly that there are just too many listings

'We're now competing with 500 other places. We can't sustain that.'

It's not only local accommodation providers that are suffering as a result of the share economy influx - with cafes, restaurants and transport also being pushed to the limit.

Tourism expert Karen Hofman told the publication to meet the growing demand, businesses either need to expand their services or more businesses need to open.

'Airbnb has its place in the market as it encourages competitiveness. However, there is a tipping point at which it is no longer of benefit to the consumer, local businesses, local residents or a destination,' Ms Hofman said.  

It's estimated AirBnB-listed properties in Queensland's coastal regions have doubled in the last 18 months, with almost 20 per cent of all Byron Bay properties on the site

It's estimated AirBnB-listed properties in Queensland's coastal regions have doubled in the last 18 months, with almost 20 per cent of all Byron Bay properties on the site

It's estimated AirBnB-listed properties in Queensland's coastal regions have doubled in the past 18 months, with almost 20 per cent of all Byron Bay properties on the site.

While many may see the short-term accommodation option as a easy way to earn extra cash, Byron Shire Mayor Simon Richardson said it's fraught with problems.

Mayor Richardson said many tourists who opt for short-term holiday letting often treat the area like a resort and are disrespectful to the neighbouring community.  

To combat the inlfux of unruly travellers, Byron Bay council has implemented new laws, which mean unregistered listings are at risk of a whopping $3000 fine.

'Something needs to be done to protect our community's right to residential areas that are filled with neighbours not tourists,' he said. 

While the 'share economy' offers a range of 'low cost' accommodation options for weary travellers, the benefit often comes at a cost to local communities

While the 'share economy' offers a range of 'low cost' accommodation options for weary travellers, the benefit often comes at a cost to local communities

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