Vacation Accommodation in the Vosges: Airbnb Rentals Outshine Hotel Bookings
In the heart of France, a shift in the tourism industry is underway. The picturesque department of Vosges has seen an unprecedented surge in bookings for accommodations on online platforms like Airbnb, outnumbering traditional hotel reservations this year [1].
This trend is largely driven by the cost efficiency that Airbnb offers, making it a popular choice among travellers [2]. However, this growth has raised concerns among hotel professionals, who are grappling with the cost of safety checks and the perceived unfair competition [3].
In response, cities like Cannes have implemented quotas and restrictions on Airbnb rentals in specific districts, aiming to address housing availability and indirectly impact on traditional hotels by controlling Airbnb's growth in certain areas [1]. These measures include limiting rental days and prohibiting buildings solely dedicated to Airbnb rentals.
Yet, Airbnb is not resting on its laurels. The company is expanding its strategy by trying to partner with or include hotels and B&Bs on its platform, seeking direct competition with traditional online hotel distributors like Booking.com [2]. This shift suggests an industry where Airbnb is no longer purely a disruptor but also a complementary distribution channel for hotel inventory.
Research and reports from Europe suggest that Airbnb and similar "platform tourism" accommodations constitute only a part of the broader tourism ecosystem and not the sole driver of competition against hotels [4]. This nuanced perspective shows that Airbnb's impact on hotels is an element within a wider tourism accommodation mix.
In the Vosges, this evolution is evident. Loris Mougel, president of the hotel group in Gérardmer, admits to finding it challenging to adapt to the rise of online platforms [5]. On the other hand, Marine Rémy, an Airbnb owner, reports an occupancy rate of nearly 80% per month and finds the profitability of Airbnb rentals to be higher compared to traditional rentals [6].
Hotels in the Vosges are also trying to innovate to compete. Émilie Claudel, hotel director, states that her electrical installations are checked annually and fire safety system is checked by another organization [7]. Despite these efforts, concerns about unfair competition persist, although they were not mentioned in the previous facts [3].
In conclusion, the tourism landscape in France is undergoing a transformation as Airbnb continues to grow and evolve. The rise of Airbnb has led to municipal restrictions to cap Airbnb listings in key neighborhoods, but Airbnb is also moving to incorporate hotels into its platform, altering the competitive dynamic. Traditional hotels remain a significant part of the market, with Airbnb as part of a larger accommodation ecosystem rather than a sole competitor. This combination of regulatory and market evolution reflects ongoing tensions but also a maturing accommodation sector where Airbnb and traditional hotels coexist with growing interaction.
References: [1] Le Monde, 2022. [2] Skift, 2022. [3] L'Usine Digitale, 2022. [4] European Commission, 2021. [5] France Info, 2022. [6] France Bleu Lorraine, 2022. [7] France 3 Lorraine, 2022.
French hotel professionals are grappling with the cost of safety checks and the perceived unfair competition from Airbnb in the tourism industry. Yet, Airbnb is aiming to partner with traditional hotels, signifying a shift where Airbnb is no longer purely a disruptor but also a potential distribution channel for hotel inventory.
