Airbnb builds state’s brand, says local operator

A LOCAL businesswoman has lashed out at the HCC over its prosecution of Airbnb owners.

Airbnb host Jill Saunders at her property in Lindisfarne

A LOCAL businesswoman has lashed out at the Hobart City Council over its prosecution of Airbnb owners operating without approval.

Beauty and the Bees owner Jill Saunders, who heads a group of 89 bed and breakfast operators, said the benefits of Airbnb accommodation ­options far outweighed the negatives because the service promoted Tasmania and only added to the state’s brand.

Hobart City Council general manager Nick Heath voiced concern this week that the standard of the accommodation was damaging the city’s brand as a quality holiday ­destination.

The council has initiated proceedings against 27 Hobart Airbnb owners who have not lodged applications to provide short-term accommodation.

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Ms Saunders has operated her Airbnb accommodation for two years.

“How grossly unfair,” she said. “Any destination is its people. Tassie’s brand is its people. We are the ambassadors for the state.”

Ms Saunders said there were 616 Airbnb properties in Hobart but when she started two years ago, there had been only 29.

“Why not capitalise on the warmth and hospitality Tasmanians are famous for?” she said.

Sydney woman Kristen Carroll said she was so ­impressed by Ms Saunders’ Eastern Shore Airbnb she bought a $450,000 property in the same suburb.

“Because we are experienced travellers, we know Airbnb is often where you can find what you are looking for in your price range and time frame, when standard options let you down,” she said.

Sandy Bay resident Simon Yates said he had applied for council approval for two Battery Point properties to be used for short-term accommodation.

Mr Yates said was knocked back because of a lack of car spaces.

He said he was also told by a Hobart alderman that the residents of Battery Point “did not want to see the area tuned into itinerant accommodation”.

“Most tourists fly in to Hobart and stay in Battery Point without cars,” Mr Yates said.

“This area is ripe for tourism. I can understand why people do it without asking.”

Mr Heath said that in the past 15 months, the council had started enforcement proceedings on 27 Hobart properties for renting out homes to short-term visitors without approval.

Originally published as Airbnb builds state’s brand, says local operator