Airbnb says tougher guest house laws will create ‘lose-lose’ situation for Hong Kong’s residents and local tourism sector
Home-sharing operator says the city is taking a hardline approach to issue that could restrict options for travellers visiting Hong Kong
Fighting an uphill battle, Airbnb has warned of a “lose-lose situation” for Hong Kong’s tourism sector and homeowners if a tough amendment bill against illegal short-term rentals and unauthorised guest houses is eventually passed into law.
The leading home-sharing platform made the warning on Tuesday as the Home Affairs Bureau was due to table an amendment bill to the city’s legislature on Wednesday for first and second readings.
“The new amendments will certainly restrict the ability of Hong Kong people to share their homes. It will restrict … the kind of choices travellers want from Hong Kong: unique, authentic and local experiences. I think overall it’s a lose-lose situation.”
Orgill cited a survey commissioned by Airbnb and conducted by global measurement company Nielsen on more than 800 respondents in June, saying 77 per cent opposed what they called the “restrictive” law, while 65 per cent of Hongkongers said they would be interested in sharing their home on Airbnb if legislation permitted it.