Global Update : Profile
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As the debate about Airbnb ’ s impact heats up , could it become a “ frenemy ?” by Jeff Weinstein , editor in chief
Mani Brothers ’ GreGory Day
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Do yoU sPeaK eMoJi ? 16
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UPDATE
Fisher isLanD sytLe 18
Le MeriDien BhUtan 18
Lotte taKes Manhattan , anD More 20
the DisrUPtors 21
to partner or not to partner ? That is the new question surrounding the sharing economy ’ s hospitality phenomenon , and some would say threat and competitor , Airbnb . It all depends on whom you ask .
At October ’ s Lodging Conference in Phoenix , Arizona , Marriott International executive Liam Brown quietly admitted without elaborating that his company has had conversations with Airbnb .
In its third quarter earnings call , Extended Stay America CEO Gerry Lopez said he is keeping an eye on Airbnb , adding , “ We will see in the future whether they are a potential distribution channel for us , a competitor or what .”
In a similar call , Hilton Worldwide ’ s Chris Nassetta said Hilton went as far as to do research about the potential impact of Airbnb and he walked away worry free . “ I think it ’ s extremely hard for them to replicate what we ' re doing ,” he said , referencing their lack of amenities and ability to attract business travelers . Nassetta added that Hilton , of course , will keep tabs on Airbnb , but , “ As we speak to our largest corporate clients , we ' re confident that Airbnb will not satisfy a meaningful piece of their demand .”
On the other hand , again during a Q3 2015 earnings call , Mike Barnello , CEO of LaSalle Hotel Proprieties , said his concern about Airbnb and its likes is growing , which is not surprising considering a report that came out a few days later from the Hotel Association of New York City stating it cost the lodging industry US $ 450 million in revenue over the previous 12 months , cost more then US $ 226 million in lost tax revenue and had an overall negative US $ 2.1 billion impact on the broader economy .
12 HOTELS December 2015 www . hotelsmag . com