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Companies express safety fears over Airbnb-style accommodation
Nearly half of managers are worried about the safety of staff staying in Airbnb-style accommodation on business trips, according to latest ABTA research.
More than half of managers (53%) are also concerned that peer-to-peer accommodation might be of low quality.
However, ABTA’s research also revealed that businesses acknowledge some staff want peer-to-peer accommodation to be an option for business travel.
Only 17% of managers said there was no demand at all from their staff from Airbnb-type accommodation.
Staff like the convenience it offers, plus the feeling of staying in a local community, according to 47% of managers. Millennials are particularly attracted to ‘authentic’ experiences and living in the heart of local communities, according to ABTA’s findings.
The study, which is part of ABTA’s annual business travel research, also shows that 47% of business managers expect Travel Management Companies (TMCS) to offer such services.
However, 42% are worried about the negative impact peer-to-peer accommodation services can have on local communities.
ABTA director of brand and business development Victoria Bacon said: "It’s important for Travel Management Companies to consider how to best meet the preferences of staff while managing the risks, including identifying suitable accommodation that has appropriate safety measures in place."
ABTA is running a business travel risk management seminar – Protecting your travelling employees – at its London HQ on October 3.
Linsey McNeill
Editor Linsey McNeill has been writing about travel for more than three decades. Bylines include The Times, Telegraph, Observer, Guardian and Which? plus the South China Morning Post. She also shares insider tips on thetraveljournalist.co.uk
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