SNP holiday lets chaos is scaring off tourists, says Airbnb trends now
Airbnb has launched a damning attack on the SNP’s ‘flawed’ short-term lets policy, claiming it is driving tourists away from Scotland.
The $100billion global accommodation firm says tourists are shunning Scotland because of the Scottish Government’s holiday rental red tape shambles.
Government rules require anyone who rents out rooms or their home on a short-term basis to apply for a licence – costing up to £5,800 – from local councils.
Airbnb says the regulations are driving visitors away, particularly to towns in the north of England, and robbing Scots homeowners of much-needed cash.
It also argues the licensing scheme has failed to deliver the promised benefits for locals.
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It is thought Airbnb will attempt to persuade the Scottish Government to review and change the rules.
The latest scathing assessment of the SNP scheme comes after The Mail on Sunday revealed the new rules had left Edinburgh’s famous festivals facing an accommodation crisis with a 90 per cent reduction in rental spots in the city.
The crackdown on short-term lets was meant to increase availability and affordability of properties for long-term residential letting.
But, according to Airbnb, rents have actually increased.
In a report entitled Six Months On: An update on the impact of Scotland’s short-term let rules, the firm concluded: ‘The implementation of short-term rental rules in Scotland is harming its tourism industry and limiting economic opportunities for local families.
‘Despite the measures, they have not delivered positive impacts on housing and rental prices, which have reached their highest annual rate in nearly a decade.’
Amanda Cupples, Airbnb general manager of Northern Europe, added: ‘Data shows Scotland’s short-term rental rules are not translating into benefits for local families.
Since the scheme has been in place, hotel and rental prices have increased, tourism is expected to suffer, and families have lost a vital source of income.
‘Airbnb has worked with governments across the world to balance the benefits of short-term rentals with local housing concerns, and we hope to work with Scotland on policies that benefit everyone.’
The attack by Airbnb follows warnings over the future of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, with a number of high-profile figures claiming accommodation
