EDITOR'S COMMENT
• In less than two months, the global musical extravaganza that is the Eurovision Song Contest [and its supporting ensemble of fans] will roll into Liverpool - the first time in 25 years that the competition will have been hosted in the UK. The hype for such an event is always huge but the anticipation for this year's Eurovision - and the demand for short-term lodging in the host city - is set to eclipse even that of previous years.
At least 100,000 additional visitors are expected to descend on Liverpool, the only UK city designated as a 'City of Music' by UNESCO, for the duration of the event in May. On top of the enormous TV and media exposure that Liverpool will receive as Eurovision host city, the event is predicted to create "thousands" of jobs and contribute to the local economy in independent bars and restaurants, according to Joe and Katy Davies, owners of Liverpool-based rental property management company Host So Simple.
However, hosting an event of this scale can also have its cost - and not just a financial one. Liverpool City Council has been criticised for partnering with Airbnb to encourage locals to host guests in their homes when tighter STR regulations are being discussed in the city and there is an ongoing shortage of temporary housing and accommodation for residents. On the other hand, talk of modifications to bookings, late cancellations and re-listings at extortionate prices threatens to overshadow the enjoyment of Eurovision fans altogether.
There will always be a fine balancing act when it comes to hosting events like Eurovision but Liverpool is poised to party and welcome music fans from all over Europe. Liverpool's own cultural heritage makes it a perfect host city for an event associated with diversity & inclusion - and now we'll see how it stands up to the unprecedented accommodation enquiries.
• The next STRz webinar is right around the corner and I always really look forward to our 'Pitch to Paul' Dragon's Den / Shark Tank-style sessions. Tune in next week to watch Philip Pickard [Speedy Wi-Fi], Karen Piscitelli [Explorabout] and Michal Borychowski [Lula.Cleaning] pitch for potential investment by signing up for our no-cost session here.
• With the Shortyz judging process now underway, you can now start booking your tickets here for our big awards night on Wednesday 26 April at the ArcelorMittal Orbit in London. More information on the shortlists and voting period will be revealed very soon.
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