Airbnb boom denting hospitality profits as it attracts ‘empty spenders’

A boom in Airbnb listings over the peak summer period in WA wine region Margaret River is impacting negatively on the broader economy.

Registered Accommodation Providers Margaret River Region spokeswoman Debbie Noonan said another 150 properties were added to the Airbnb platform over the summer adding a further 7000 extra beds available per night in the region.

“The impact of the short-stay economy has been heavily felt on not only the accommodation providers this January, but on the main street and many subsidiary businesses who have felt the impact of the oversupply of self-catering tourists in the region,” she told The West Australian.

“Many wine tour operators are now also feeling the effects, reporting the worst summer ever.”

Margaret River-Busselton Tourism Association co-chief executive Sharna Kearney said that spend “is constrained” despite an increase in interstate visitors to the region

“Visitors are being more discerning about what they are spending their money on, and are preferring to do one or two more substantial experiences, and filling the remainder of their time with free activities,” she told The West Australian.

“This is consistent with the year ending September, 2018 results, which shows increases in visitation to the region from intrastate, interstate and international markets, but a decline in spend.”

12^th February 2019