United Kingdom
United States
Asia Pacific
Airbnb makes a pitch for US government business travel
Vacation rental giant Airbnb is lobbying US lawmakers again, but this time it’s not over the usual regulatory issues.
Airbnb is simply pitching for business with the federal government.
It reckons the taxpayer would save about $4.1 billion over 10 years if federal employees used Airbnb listings during business travel rather than hotels, according to a new study the company released.
"If federal employees had stayed in Airbnb listings instead of hotels in the last fiscal year, they could have saved over $413 million in taxpayer dollars. Money spent housing federal employees at Airbnb listings while traveling on official business would go directly to taxpayers who share their space on Airbnb," the report said.
Federal employees spent $3.1 billion last year alone when on the road, and just five hotel groups pocketed more than $1.7 billion in taxpayer dollars.
It also found $318.4 million in taxpayer dollars were spent at hotels managed by non-US companies.
"If federal employees only spent 25% of their nights on the road in Airbnb listings, the federal government could potentially save $103.3 million a year, or more than $1 billion over 10 years," the study said.
"This is good for taxpayers and good for hosts, who keep up to 97% of what they charge for their listing," said Nick Papas, Airbnb’s director of public affairs.
It may nake fiscal sense but Airbnb’s compelling arguments are unlikely to be embraced wholeheartedly by the hotelier-in-chief in the White House.
Related News Stories:
TravelMole Editorial Team
Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
James Jin: Didatravel’s Journey from China to Global Reach and the Impact of AI on Travel
Darren Schaefer on Pensacola’s Evolution: From Small Town to Global Destination
Florida Tourism’s Next Frontier: Dana Young on Expanding Beyond the Classics
Patrick Harrison on Tampa Bay Tourism’s Resilience and Marketing Strategy
Bubba O’Keefe on Clarksdale’s Vibrant Music Scene
Commemorating Elvis and Embracing Tupelo’s Culture with Jennie Bradford Curlee
Craig Ray and the Expansion of the Blues Trail
Presenting Mississippi’s Cultural Trails with Katie Coats
Robert Terrell: A Journey Through BB King’s Influence
Rochelle Hicks: Celebrating Mississippi’s Musical Legacy
Exploring Jacksonville with Katie Mitura: The Flip Side of Florida
Tricia Handley-Hughes of Inteletravel announces the location for the TravelQuest 2025 conference
BA pilot dies during layover
Dozens fall ill in P&O Cruises ship outbreak
Turkish Airlines flight in emergency landing after pilot dies
Boy falls to death on cruise ship
Protestors now targeting Amsterdam cruise calls