7 minute read
Shared Accomodation Services The Security Conundrum
By DR. JB WARD AND DR. PETER RICCI
The idea of sharing your home, apartment or condo for profit is a relatively new concept. Yet the “shared” lodging/accommodations phenomenon seems like it is here to stay. It was first seen as a novel experiment that posed little or no threat to the lodging industry, but over time, it has grown. With companies such as Airbnb and others, this approach is becoming an option for consumers. Airbnb has grown into a booming business, the largest in this niche, and is now as large as some hotel chains (Mody & Gomez, 2018). With expansive offerings and variety of locations, plus the feeling of being at “home” as opposed to staying in a hotel, Airbnb has created a way to customize your stay. The company has grown to 7 million accommodations and is available in almost 200 countries (Airbnb, 2019).
As with many new companies and business models, explosive growth has brought about some exciting opportunities, yet it has also brought some serious unexpected outcomes. Some of these issues are relatively straightforward (lost key, does not meet expectations, things not working, a consistent structure for collecting occupancy taxes, et al.). Other issues involve policies for lastminute cancellations and the legality of renting properties in certain cities and countries (Schlichter, 2018). The company has had to adjust and change their policies to fit a number of different scenarios. Some adaptations include: verifying guests, adding security cameras, obtaining required permits and licenses, etc. In its infancy, these organizations are in their earliest stages of learning how to do business “right” and stay compliant with local, regional and national laws while simultaneously reducing the risk of litigation and negative publicity (Airbnb, 2019).
The size, status and locations of some of the rental properties have now created an emerging — and somewhat alarming — type of consumer market. These are “Party Houses:” a term that has not yet been clearly defined by consumers or Airbnb type organizations. The company itself is struggling not only to define a Party House but also having difficulty determining which listings can properly classified as a Party House. Agreement seems to surround several key items: a large number of occupants, occupants not listed officially when making a reservation, a location and size conducive to a large event or party, etc. Often, these reservations are purposefully made without a large number of occupants listed as guests (Oliver, 2019). Properties are being used as a location for a way for friends to get together for special occasions or for large families to gather for reunions at great locations around the world. They are also rented out by individuals to purposefully invite a large number of people to an advertised party or other large event.
The issue with large groups gathering at one location is that the intention of the renter may not always be good-natured. Stories of high school parties that include alcohol and drug use are becoming more common with rental properties, and it is difficult to become aware of these parties until they have already begun (Cole, 2019). The most recent tragedy to date occurred this year. It raises serious questions about Airbnb and its ability to regulate these scenarios. A “Party House” in an upscale neighborhood near San Francisco, California, was the site of a shooting that killed five and injured several more. The property was rented through the Airbnb service (Oliver, 2019). The company responded by banning party houses and has vowed to use better technology and screening processes to combat the issue, but there seems to be many more ways to work around the issue than there are to solve it.
Our industry has always put safety and security first. Indeed, the American Hotel and Lodging Association (AHLA), as well as its state affiliates like the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (FRLA), encourages guest safety and security in multiple ways. They offer training and certifications to educate employees and are now focused on protecting associates as well as guests. It does not appear to be prevalent among the Airbnb rental properties.
In conclusion, it seems unlikely and nearly impossible for the same level of guest safety and security as found in traditional hotels to be implemented by an organization that already has over 7 million locations. From small motels to mega-conference resorts and everywhere in between, including shared rentals, safety and security should be the priority. It is our hope that shared accommodations services will move in this direction.
JB Ward is an instructor in the Hospitality and Tourism Management Program at Florida Atlantic University (FAU). Peter Ricci is the Director and Clinical Associate Professor in the same program.
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Bibliography for the article, Shared Accommodation Services —The Security Conundrum, on page 30: Airbnb. (2019, November 10). Airbnb Newsroom. Retrieved from Airbnb: news.airbnb.com/en-uk/about-us/
Airbnb. (2019, November 10). What legal and regulatory issues should I consider before hosting on Airbnb? Retrieved from Airbnb: www.airbnb.com/help/article/376/what-legal-andregulatory-issues-should-i-consider-before-hosting-on-airbnb Cole, B. (2019, May 24). FLORIDA TEEN RENTED AIRBNB HOUSE FOR PROM AFTER-PARTY AND STOCKED IT WITH JELLO SHOTS, MARIJUANA AND STRIPPER POLES: POLICE. Retrieved from Newsweek: newsweek.com/florida-teen-airbnb-marijuana-alcohol-stripperpoles-prom-after-party-police-1435099
Mody, M., & Gomez, M. (2018). Airbnb and the Hotel Industry: The Past, Present, and Future of Sales, Marketing, Branding, and Revenue Management. Boston Hospitality Review.
Oliver, D. (2019, November 4). Airbnb plans to ban ‘party houses’ after Orinda shooting. Now people are asking how. Retrieved from USA Today: usatoday.com/story/travel/ hotels/2019/11/04/orinda-airbnb-shooting-party-house-banincites-questions-skeptics/4154696002/
Schlichter, S. (2018, October 10). 7 Airbnb Problems and How to Solve Them. Retrieved from Smarter Travel: smartertravel.com/7-airbnb-problems-solve/
FRLA.org FLRESTAURANTANDLODGINGSHOW.COM
SeptEmber 22-23, 2020 s orlAndO, fL orange cOuNty ConvENTiOn CeNtER SeptEmber 22-23, 2020
By TIM BAILEY, AREA MANAGING DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS, LOEWS HOTELS AT UNIVERSAL ORLANDO Sustainability & Green Initiatives at the Universal Orlando Resort Hotels
Our Commitment As the co-owner and operator of all eight hotels at Universal Orlando Resort, Loews Hotels & Co. embraces its responsibility as an environmental steward and is committed to achieving success through sustainable and environmentally responsible business practices. Our hotels are focused on conserving energy and water, reducing waste and optimizing responsible sourcing.
“Loews Hotels is in the business of hospitality, but we also believe that doing the right thing is everyone’s business, especially when it comes to being environmentally responsible,” said David Bartek, vice president of operations for Loews Hotels at Universal Orlando. “That’s why we remain focused on consistently re-evaluating and raising our standards to find greater efficiencies and innovative, sustainable solutions.”
Current Practices at Some or All of the Universal Orlando Resort Hotels All or some of the on-site hotels at Universal Orlando Resort are using the following techniques and technologies to reduce our environmental impact:
Energy & Water Conservation » Guest rooms feature programmable thermostats with motion detectors to control air conditioning and reduce energy use as well as low-flow showerheads and sink faucets to conserve water. Energy-efficient lighting is used throughout the hotel and public lighting is on timers. » We are an Energy Star Partner through the U.S. Department of Energy’s Better Buildings initiative. Waste Reduction » Green bags in guest rooms empower guests to recycle aluminum, plastic bottles, glass and papers. Heart of house recycling includes aluminum, steel, plastic, cardboard, toner cartridges, fluorescent bulbs, paper, newspaper, office paper, glass and magazines. » Our hotels utilize recycled products, including all paper products made from 100% recycled materials. » In 2019, our Orlando hotels recycled more than 15.2 million pounds of waste and 370 tons of cardboard. » Biodegradable and low-toxicity cleaning products are used throughout the operation. » Excess food is donated to the Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida.
» Our hotels partner with Clean the World, a global health organization committed to improving the quality of life for vulnerable populations around the world. Through their programs, they provide hygiene supplies and education using recycled and repurposed supplies donated by hospitality industry partners.
Responsible Sourcing » Loews Hotels at Universal Orlando purchase products and seasonal items from Central and South Florida vendors. » Our hotels use ecofriendly inks and papers. Room service, lounges, bars, banquet rooms and restaurants, including pool restaurants, primarily use reusable linen, dishware and silverware.
Green Certified » Our hotels are designated members of the Florida Green Lodging Program and the Orlando Green Business Certification program. » Six hotels earned the Three Palm designation, the second highest ranking of environmental performance from the Florida Green Lodging Program. The two newest hotels in our portfolio at Universal’s Endless Summer Resort are currently in the certification process.
Focused on the Future As technology advances, Loews Hotels & Co., in partnership with Universal Orlando, will continuously seek new ways to integrate leading environmental practices into our operations and partner with like-minded vendors. Our teams remain focused on consistently reevaluating and raising our standards to find greater efficiencies and innovative, sustainable solutions that help build a greener world.
