Airbnb’s remarkable success and a $25 billion valuation has come at a cost - to competitors. It claimed almost $1 billion in disruption revenue last year, by some estimates. But now the hotel industry, still reeling from the sudden rise of the upstart lodging company, is fighting back.
Among its efforts:
- The hotel industry has funded research that suggests some Airbnb operators are running “illegal” hotels.
- Large hotel chains are launching new chains aimed squarely at Airbnb’s core market: Millennials who are looking for a lodging experience suited to their tastes and budget.
- Hotels and trader organizations have lobbied for laws that would slow or stop the growth of Airbnb by restricting homes and apartments that can be listed on the service.
The hotel industry says these actions are not part of a concerted effort to kill Airbnb. Rather, they are part of an industry-wide initiative to maintain a level and regulated playing field.”The hotel industry embraces competition,” says Vanessa Sinders, the senior vice president of government affairs for the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AH&LA). “It creates a better guest experience, generates jobs and spurs innovation.”
- See more at: http://hotelmarketing.com/index.php/content/article/big_hotels_plan_to_win_customers_from_airbnb#sthash.cDfupSDi.dpuf