The Travel Technology Association (Travel Tech), the premier trade association for leaders in online travel innovation released the following statement in response to the American Hotel and Lodging Association’s latest attack on short-term rental providers and the peer-to-peer economy in Chicago.
“AH&LA’s claims are a transparent and desperate attempt to denigrate the short-term rental industry in hopes of convincing city officials to eliminate short-term and vacation rental options for Chicago visitors. This manufactured narrative is wholly dependent upon a gross mischaracterization of data,” said Matt Kiessling, who heads Travel Tech’s short-term rental policy. “We commend Mayor Emanuel for recognizing the value of short-term rentals as a travel accommodations option in Chicago. The rise of the sharing economy indicates the shifting preferences of the modern traveler, and the economic benefits realized through the use of these innovative short-term rental platforms spans the city.”
More and more consumers are looking to short-term rentals when they travel. And those travelers stay longer and spend more than those that stay in hotels – sharing the economic impact with new businesses and neighborhoods around the city. Chicago is a top travel destination, and the city should seek to ensure the availability of all types of accommodations for those seeking to visit.
“Chicago officials should embrace the future of the travel economy and no longer allow themselves to be held hostage by the local hotel industry. After all, visitors to the windy city are increasingly seeking short-term rentals, and adopting legislation that benefits everyone – homeowners, community-members, business owners and travelers, just makes sense,” Kiessling continued. “The short-term rental industry is ready and willing to work with the city in this effort, protecting communities while allowing the economy to thrive.”
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