Airbnb, short-term rentals temporarily banned by Ontario govt. due to COVID-19

The Government of Ontario temporarily bans the operation of Airbnb and other short-term rentals during the COVID-19 pandemic. Those allowed to operate include rentals that have "provided to individuals who are in need of housing during the emergency period." Hosts who do not comply with the order issued under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act could face fines of up to $100,000. The ruling doesn't cover hotels, motels, or student residences in the province.

Airbnb encourages its hosts and guests to follow the restrictions. The company recently launched a global initiative to offer free or subsidized housing to healthcare professionals amid the pandemic. And it noted that the new ruling wouldn't affect this program. Airbnb has committed US$250 million (around CA$352 million) to reimburse hosts for cancelled bookings. But it isn't clear if the temporary ruling means hosts in the province will receive assistance.

Source: MobileSyrup

Airbnb extends its no-charge cancellation policy

With the COVID-19 pandemic, Airbnb saw it fit to implement updates to its Extenuating Circumstances policy. This change means hosts and guests who cancel eligible reservations made on or before March 14, 2020, with check-in dates between March 14 and April 14, 2020, will not be charged or penalized. It applies to both places to stay as well as Airbnb Experiences around the world. The company assures its hosts that they will help those who are affected economically by the circumstances.

Airbnb said in a statement, “We will be working in the days and weeks ahead to identify tools and initiatives to support our hosts during these very challenging times.” The company promised it will not collect fees or benefit from any cancelled reservations. 

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Airbnb acquires HotelTonight

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Airbnb makes its biggest acquisition yet as it moves to increase hotel listings on its site. The company has agreed to buy HotelTonight, a provider of last-minute, boutique options for a night’s stay. It does so ahead of an eventual initial public offering. Airbnb hasn’t disclosed the financial terms of the deal, but according to a person “familiar with the matter” said its price is close to HotelTonight’s last private valuation, which is at US$463 million. Airbnb’s last big purchase was Luxury Retreats, which it bought for $300 million.

The move has Airbnb encroaching further into the hotel industry and puts them into the position of being what Bloomberg calls the Amazon for travel or a “one-stop-shop for holiday-goers.” HotelTonight’s app and site will continue to operate independently of Airbnb. But the company might integrate its listings on its site in the future. And once the acquisition is complete, HotelTonight’s founder will report to Airbnb’s President of Homes, Greg Greeley.

Airbnb to offer more experiences in 2018 as it expands to 1,000 cities

We reported earlier that Airbnb was expanding its offerings for a wealthier clientele. But that wasn’t all the company is working on. Airbnb also announced it plans to expand its “experiences” feature to 1,000 cities. The feature was launched a little over a year ago to offer its travelers unique, local activities they might want to try out. Some of the new places to get experiences include Iceland, Easter Island, and Tasmania.

The move to introduce experiences was a wise one especially when it faced regulation issues in some cities as well as continued competition from hotels and others that work in the travel industry. It helps supplant the revenue of the company, while drawing in more users that want more out of their trips. Some of the experiences the company offers range from those with a “social impact” to meeting others for a meal to activities for thrill-seekers, among many others. "The options are endless," said Joe Zadeh, Airbnb's vice president of trips. "We are working with our hosts where anyone can build an experience around their passion."  

Source: CNET