A senior figure at Airbnb has defended the sharing economy, insisting that the property rental company “welcomes” ongoing concerns surrounding the growing sector.
Speaking at the 2014 World Youth and Student Travel Conference (WYSTC) in Dublin, Airbnb hospitality innovator Clement Marcelet told delegates he was proud of what Airbnb had achieved, stating: “We believe it’s a completely new way to think about hospitality.”
His speech came just days after Abta chair Noel Josephides closed the Abta Travel Convention with a warning about the dangers of the sharing economy.
Citing companies such as Airbnb, Josephides said the growth of the sector was damaging Britain’s economy.
“Classified adverts have always been there, and we tolerated it. But what companies like Airbnb have done is use the internet as a platform to allow the black economy to grow and grow,” he told Abta delegates.
“The majority of those letting their property don’t declare their income. Can you imagine the economic loss of these people who are not paying taxes? Why should legitimate businesses have to be leaden with taxes?” Josephides added.
“The government is sleepwalking towards its own destruction and that of the businesses that provide them with their income.”
