West Country hotel owners say Airbnb is threatening business

Tourism is one of the South West's biggest industries. Credit: PA Images

Holiday let websites like Airbnb are damaging business for the West Country’s hotels. That’s the claim being made by a tourism group in the region.

Visit Somerset is calling for tighter regulation of these services saying they do not match the safety standards of established hotels and B&Bs.

While some traditional B&B owners say online competition is directly impacting sales, others like Greg Spence, who owns The Old Chapel B&B near Lostwithiel in Cornwall argue it's simply not right that they have to abide by stringent health and safety laws while those letting online do not.

Whether you’ve got a whole property or even just a spare room in your home you can list it online for people to come and stay. It is an industry that has exploded in popularity in recent years – Airbnb alone is now worth $31 billion.

ITV News West Country has spoken to a number of Airbnb operators in Somerset who claim they have been unfairly criticised because of their success - and always abide by the latest safety standards.

Rowena Collins, runs Airbnb properties in Frome, Somerset and lets out a room in her house. She says it is time for hoteliers to realise this signals a change in how customers want to spend time away and they need to adapt.

Visit Somerset Chief Executive John Turner has told ITV West Country that his members are very concerned that Airbnb are not subject to the tight regulatory processes that normal guesthouses are.

Mr Turner says this effects the businesses ability to operate in a fair and just market.

Visit Somerset is calling for a level playing field and tighter regulation of AirBnB properties", the Chief Executive says, so that Somerset customers are protected and safe when they come into the county.

Clevedon Pier is an iconic Somerset landmark. Credit: PA Images

Tourism is worth nearly ten billion pounds annually to the West Country – with more people from the UK coming here on holiday than anywhere else in the country.

In response, Airbnb has provided the following statement:

Online let growth is evident. Despite it being around for under ten years – there are already more Airbnb listings in the West Country than hotels.

Although future regulation for them isn’t certain. Next Visit Somerset will write to local MPs asking what can be done about the legislation.