Online short-term rentals company Airbnb revealed yesterday in a statement that its overall bookings six months out from March are trending higher than the previous year. It released a set of protocols for hosts to follow when borders reopen after the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) threat has subsided.
New Providence alone has more than 1,400 active properties in the vacation rental market, according to market research website AirDNA.
In August 2017, The Bahamas signed a memorandum of understanding with Airbnb in order to regularize and tax the sector.
Vacation home rental services such as Airbnb have been touted as creating new opportunities for Bahamians to earn from the tourism sector and for The Bahamas to expand its available accommodations outside of hotel properties.
In its statement, Airbnb contends that following the COVID-19 pandemic, it is likely that travelers will want to avoid excessive interactions with high-traffic areas, thus possibly opting for vacation rentals over mega-resorts.
Airbnb’s statement explains its new cleaning protocols, which are informed by the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
“As governments handle the health crisis and begin to review restrictions in advance of reopening their communities for travel, at Airbnb we are working hard to support our community and prepare for the future of travel, focused on health and prevention,” the statement notes.
“Today we are announcing our advanced clean initiative to provide hosts with educational resources and two options to offer accommodation according to enhanced cleaning and prevention measures. Guests will be able to identify and book accommodation included in this program, which will be launched globally in May.
“Although risk in travel can never be fully eliminated and the science is still evolving, this initiative is designed to support and protect our stakeholders. Guests will be able to search for and easily identify Airbnb listings that meet their needs and expectations and are part of the program.
“Hosts will have access to expert-backed cleaning educational materials and will be supported to show that they take cleanliness and prevention seriously. Governments, health authorities and communities will be able to refer to this inventory, allowing for a controlled approach to reopen travel and reignite tourism economics. And we will continue to collaborate with local governments, medical experts and other authorities to help ensure appropriate precautions are taken to support COVID-19 response efforts.”
According to Airbnb, its survey of hosts revealed that 92 percent plan to continue to host as often as before after the pandemic has subsided.
The post Airbnb releases protocols for hosts to follow when borders reopen appeared first on The Nassau Guardian.
source https://thenassauguardian.com/2020/04/29/airbnb-releases-protocols-for-hosts-to-follow-when-borders-reopen/
No comments:
Post a Comment