Travel industry bosses claimed the spread of Airbnb properties could “destroy” communities.
Hurtigruten Group chief executive Daniel Skjeldam and Jet2 chief executive Steve Heapy voiced caution about the growth of Airbnb during a ‘View from the Top’ panel session at the Travel Weekly Sustainability Summit.
Skjeldam, who is also chief executive of HX – Hurtigruten Expeditions, described Airbnb as a “nuisance” and called for regulators to “wake up”.
He added: “Any city allowing Airbnb to spread is in dire risk of destroying its community.”
Heapy claimed Airbnb is “very damaging” as it pushes up house prices.
He said accommodation costs in Ibiza had gone “through the roof”, meaning crucial workers cannot afford to live there.
“We support the hotel industry and take people to hotels,” said Heapy.
Skjeldam added: “Travel is a force for good if done right – I think it can lead to fewer wars in the world and less hostility. But we need to do it in the right way.”
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