The boss of hotel firm Accor has hit out at “sharing economy” sites such as Airbnb for not having to comply with the same legislation as traditional accommodation providers.
Sebastien Bazin, CEO of the French-based firm which includes brands such as Ibis, Novotel, Mercure and Sofitel, said that he wanted all accommodation platforms to be subject to the same legislation as its properties.
“I would like the legislation for Airbnb to be the same as for us – corporation tax, tourism tax, disability accessibility,” said Bazin in an interview with The Times.
“But I’m not going to hide behind legislators to protect me. That would be foolish and irresponsible.”
Bazin added that Airbnb was “twisting its DNA” as the site grew more rapidly.
“It started off being about sharing somebody’s flat – which you’d use as a home, and behave like a local,” said Bazin.
“Now, in New York, 40 per cent of the Airbnb offering is promoted, investor development. Developers converting an entire office building into Airbnb space - this has nothing to do with that DNA.”
Airbnb has said that it is planning to work with authorities around the world to improve the regulation of the properties featured on its platforms.
Read our interview with Airbnb's Marc McCabe