EDITOR'S COMMENT
• It has been interesting to watch Airbnb's evolution in the way it has reacted to the many and varied legislative challenges it has faced over the years.
Many local authorities were unprepared for the rapid growth of the home sharing, and subsequently the professional short-term rental, sectors and only began to introduce legislation in response to pressure groups and campaigners who were vigorously wielding their metaphorical pitchforks and torches.
It is legitimate to debate Airbnb's role in overtourism and shortages of rental homes for locals, but to cast it as the villain in a starkly black and white scenario is unrealistic and not helpful to anyone.
Airbnb's approach is clearly becoming more proactive, rather than reactive, as markets mature. Ireland, just like numerous other popular tourist destinations, is struggling with a chronic shortage of residential rental properties - which are significantly outnumbered by Airbnb listings.
And Airbnb has clearly recognised the seriousness of the situation and is calling on the government to take action by tightening the rules surrounding vacation rentals. It is urging the government to set up a register of approved short-term lets so it can block non-registered landlords from its site.
“We know that we have a problem and that Ireland has a problem,” said Amanda Cupples, Airbnb’s general manager for northern Europe.
Acknowledging a problem is the first step towards solving it, and Airbnb's proactivity in this instance is a smart and practical stance.
Cupples is speaking on a panel about how flexible living is shaping the future of urban accommodation at the Urban Living Festival in London next month. Click here to find out more.
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