Latest News

Back to Latest News back

 

Paris Mayor warns IOC of Airbnb ‘risks’ in advance of 2024 Olympics

Paris Mayor warns IOC of Airbnb ‘risks’ in advance of 2024 Olympics
November 23, 2019

Anne Hidalgo, Mayor of the French capital of Paris, which is set to host the 2024 Olympics, has warned the International Olympic Committee of the “risks” inherent in the IOC’s newly signed sponsorship with the accommodation platform Airbnb.

Airbnb was unveiled earlier this week as a Worldwide Olympic Partner in the exclusive category of ‘Unique Accommodation Products and Unique Experiences Services’ and in a deal running until 2028.

In a letter to IOC President Thomas Bach, which was reported by AFP, Mayor Hidalgo expressed her “total determination to make sure regulations relating to rental platforms are reinforced” in Paris, host of the 2024 Summer Olympic Games.

With hotels and traditional accommodation providers concerned that the largely unregulated Airbnb marketplace undercuts their offering, Paris hoteliers are reportedly unimpressed with the IOC’s new partnership, accusing the platform of “destabilising local businesses and competing harshly with traditional hotels”.

The rise of Airbnb has seen some European cities restrict its activities, fearing communities are being impacted by a rise in short-term tourism rentals.

Suggested she might look to make short-term tourist rentals against the law in some parts of the city, Mayor Hidalgo explained “by removing a significant number of lodgings from Paris, Airbnb contributes to rising rents and worsens the shortage of apartments on the rental market, at a cost for all Parisians, in particular the middle class.”

At Monday’s announcement of the Airbnb deal, President Bach defended the brand against criticism that the platform was pricing people out of cities, commenting “it is quite normal that such a disruptive business then needs to settle and needs regulation. This is happening in a dialogue with Airbnb and cities and countries.”

Earlier this year, the Mayor’s office released findings which revealed that the share of unoccupied housing in Paris had jumped by three points, from 14.1% to 17%, over the last five years.

The main reason cited was the boom in tourist rentals driven by dedicated internet platforms, with short-term tourism rentals slowing the supply of sustainable housing in Paris and causes a decrease in the number of inhabitants.

According to the Paris report, the city does not seek to prohibit individuals from occasionally renting their homes, but will fine platforms, like AirBnb, that offer to rent housing that has already been rented 120 days in the year.

Paris took legal action against Airbnb this year in a bid to have the company fined €12.5 million (US$13.8 million) for allowing owners to rent their properties without having them properly registered.

In its defence, Airbnb invoked European law that would exempt the platform from monitoring user activity. The Court of Justice of the European Union is expected to reveal its ruling on the case in 2020.

Related Articles

20th November 2019 - Airbnb announced as new International Olympic Committee corporate partner

24th July 2019 - Eden Park partners with Airbnb to launch stadium glamping

19th June 2019 - Airbnb to challenge tour operators with launch of Airbnb Adventures

24th May 2019 - Louvre breaks attendance records as Europe maintains lead in global museum market

23rd May 2019 - Attendance at the world’s themed attractions exceeds half a billion visits for the first time in history

14th March 2019 - IOC and IUCN partner to release sustainable venue development guide

3rd November 2018 - Visa unveils fan experience innovations for future Olympics

8th January 2017 - The accommodation sharing economy is here

23rd June 2016 - Cisco adds to Rio 2016 links with Tokyo Olympics partnership

7th April 2016 - AirActive sharing technology launched for exercise consumers

2nd December 2015 - Australian venues to boost security following Paris attacks


Support our industry news service
We hope that you value the news that we publish so while you're here can we ask for your support?

As an independent publisher, we need reader support for our industry news gathering so ask that - if you don't already do so - you back us by subscribing to the printed Australasian Leisure Management magazine and/or our online news.

 

supplier directory

The Complete Guide to Leisure Industry Products & Services.

See the directory see all

IEDM

iEDM integrate Design, Engineering and Delivery Management services to convert existing spaces into exciting new entertainment venues. Our team consists of highly qualified professionals with diverse…

read more

Consultants / Design

 
 

TPEC Pool Enclosures

TPEC Pool Enclosures provide a large range of premium commercial and residential retractable swimming pool, spa and terrace enclosures throughout Australia, servicing residential, local government…

read more

Aquatics / Design / Recreation / Venues

 
 

Active World

Since 2019, Active World's development team has been delivering a comprehensive single solution that caters to the diverse requirements of successfully operated and managed leisure centres. The…

read more

Aquatics / Billing / Fitness / Recreation / Technology

 
 

Yellowbox Lockers

Yellowbox is an Australian technology company that has developed smart locker technology operated through an app with a focus on experience for users and facility managers. Found at Beaches, Aquatic…

read more

Aquatics / Attractions / Entertainment / Retail / Security

 
 

Aflex Inflatables

Aflex Inflatables are the leaders for obstacle courses, pool toys, waterparks and land-based watersides and fitness runs. They are industry leaders offering the widest range of pool, lake and beach…

read more

Aquatics / Play / Waterparks

 
 

Fun Wheels Pty Ltd

Fun Wheels Pty Ltd are the premium dealer in Australasia for the Dutch company BERG’s commercial and domestic products. Our flagship product is their revolutionary pedal go-kart – the…

read more

Attractions / Tourism / Venues

 
 

APT Asia Pacific Pty Ltd

APT (Advanced Polymer Technology) is the leading global manufacturer of polyurethane-based materials, acrylic coatings and synthetic turf products for sporting and recreational applications. From…

read more

Environment / Sport / Surfaces / Technology

 
 

Altitude Training Systems

ATS are global leaders in altitude training and research. From mask systems and inflatable tents to simulated altitude facilities, we help all athletes gain the competitive edge. Our…

read more

Fitness / Sport / Technology

 
 
 
 

get listed with our suppliers directory

Get your business noticed in our targeted directory. Viewed by 10,000 industry professionals per week!

list your business