– I think we should ban Airbnb in Lofoten and other tourist-prone areas in Norway, says hotel director at Thon Hotel Svolvær, Erik Taraldsen. If that is not possible, he believes that there should at least be much stricter regulations. Taraldsen believes that Airbnb prevents permanent residents from finding places to live – he points in particular to his own employees. – Cabins and houses are bought up for commercial use. This means that there will be no room to live here, for people who will work and stay here for a long time, says Taraldsen. In the past, news has written about extreme house prices in Lofoten. – The idea behind Airbnb was that you could rent out if you had a spare bedroom. And that’s fine to some extent, says Erik Taraldsen. Photo: John Inge Johansen / news Operates according to different rules In addition, the hotel director believes that Airbnb operates according to completely different rules when it comes to fire protection and waste management. This means that they can rent out more cheaply and become a major competitor to the professional travel industry, he believes. – When other countries in Europe tighten up, I don’t understand why we shouldn’t be able to do it. It is an important discussion for those of us who make a living from this. He points to Berlin and points out that, among other things, they have a ban on the “improper use” of apartments. – Our guests go on a trip with a guide company, they have a toilet in their room and we handle the waste. – We are not going to compete. Else Næss occasionally rents out a room at her own home in Henningsvær. – I rent out the way Airbnb was meant to be. It was not intended that people should buy up many houses to rent them out, she says. She says that those who come become part of the family. They share a bathroom and eat together in the kitchen. – Airbnb is a way of traveling for us who have reached an age where we thrive in the local environment, says Else Næss. Photo: Private – I have only had good experiences and I have made friends all over the world. However, she understands well that the hotel industry is critical of those who buy up to rent out. – It will be completely wrong. We will not compete. We will have another offer. – What do you think about banning Airbnb? – It would have been very broken. This is something I really enjoy, says Næss, who wants to defend that way of travelling. Næss says she is happy to follow Airbnb’s rules. – I’m not a big business, so it doesn’t matter much. It’s mostly for the experience. On a random weekend in February, there were 75 available accommodations in Henningsvær alone, the Airbnb website shows. Photo: Screenshot from Airbnb.no Many houses without lights – There is no doubt that we have many homes that are listed on Airbnb and that are occupied for holiday use, says the mayor of Vågan municipality, Frank Johnsen (Sp). Vågan is one of the few municipalities in Norway that has a residence obligation. news has previously written about the local community being emptied of housing. According to the mayor, the municipality has recently decided to intensify control of compulsory residence in an attempt to gain control over the housing market. – We see many houses without lights, says Johnsen in an attempt to paint a picture of the housing problem. Mayor Frank Johnsen (Sp) believes, like Taraldsen, that there should be stricter requirements for Airbnb landlords Photo: John Inge Johansen / news He sees the Airbnb industry in the municipality as divided. On the one hand are those who live in the municipality and rent out a cabin, which he believes is not a hindrance to anyone. – We also have those who buy up in a more speculative way and rent out, without living here. He could happily get rid of that type of Airbnb, says Johnsen, who believes the municipality does not have the tools to make it happen. – There should be stricter regulations for renting through Airbnb, emphasizes the mayor. In response to Taraldsen’s statement that landlords should also be required to pay more municipal fees, the mayor can say that the municipality recently adopted a new waste disposal regulation which states that holiday homes must also be charged. Do you think the regulations for Airbnb rentals should be changed? No, I think the regulations work well. Yes, I think it should be stricter. I think Airbnb should be banned Show result Airbnb has intensified the competition – Airbnb has created frustration for many, both the local population and the tourism industry, in Europe, says Ole Michael Bjørndal from NHO reiseliv According to Bjørndal, NHO is not a supporter of a ban, but agrees that it is time to look at stricter regulations for the rental service. Ole Michael Bjørndal from NHO reiseliv says they understand Taraldsen’s concerns. Photo: Per Sollerman/NHO He refers, among other things, to the reporting obligation that was introduced for Airbnb in 2019. – It has made visible over NOK 6 billion in income which thus becomes subject to taxation. According to Bjørndal, it is natural to look at a limit for how many overnight stays the individual can have. Already today, housing associations and condominiums must comply with this requirement and it is being considered to extend the obligation to apply to municipalities in general, he states. – We are positive about Airbnb as long as they follow the laws and regulations that apply. – Airbnb has contributed to sharpening the competition in the hotel industry, but there can be no injustice in which fees you have to pay and which reporting and registration requirements you have. If you run what is in principle the same as a hotel, then you should also follow the same requirements. news has been trying to get in touch with Airbnb for two weeks, but without success.
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Hotel director in Svolvær in Lofoten wants to ban Airbnb – news Nordland
