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Will Airbnb’s new Trips feature affect Singapore?

LOS ANGELES — Even at a feel-good, celebratory event like the Airbnb Open, there is no escaping the divisiveness the firm stirs up. A protestor from Code Pink, a non-governmental organisation against United States-funded wars and occupations, stormed the stage on Saturday while actor and tech investor Ashton Kutcher was speaking. (It was peacefully resolved when the actor made his stand and the protestor was led off the stage.)

LOS ANGELES — Even at a feel-good, celebratory event like the Airbnb Open, there is no escaping the divisiveness the firm stirs up. A protestor from Code Pink, a non-governmental organisation against United States-funded wars and occupations, stormed the stage on Saturday while actor and tech investor Ashton Kutcher was speaking. (It was peacefully resolved when the actor made his stand and the protestor was led off the stage.)

There was reportedly a protest staged by Unite Here, the hotel industry’s union, where about 50 people marched in the streets downtown. A truck with the message “Illegal hotels make bad neighbours” went around the city where the events were held.

At the centre of it all is Chris Lehane, head of global policy and public affairs at Airbnb. The former political adviser to US president Bill Clinton and press secretary for Al Gore’s 2000 presidential campaign is leading the charge for the company to convince cities that the home-sharing business is good for them, drawing up policies and proposals to help cities regulate and promote responsible home-sharing.

“We will be putting out an Airbnb Tool Chest in about two weeks,” Lehane said when he sat down with TODAY at the Airbnb Open event. “The idea is that these are specific policies that we’ve put in place in different cities around the world that are now available for other cities to look at, potentially use or use a version of, pick and choose what’s for you.”

Lehane, who had visited Singapore in July, feels our city-state has what it takes to be at the forefront of the sharing economy, explaining that Singapore’s global reputation as a cutting-edge city can help lead Asia in this aspect. “The sharing economy is going to be a US$335 billion (S$477 billion) business sector by 2025,” Lehane pointed out. “Singapore will want to be in the middle of where that is going.”

The Urban Redevelopment Authority is still reviewing the issue of short-term stays in Singapore; stays of less than six months remain illegal for private residential properties. Lehane notes there are proposed recommendations such as host registration and caps on the number days for rental on hand as solutions to the status quo. “I say this respectfully, that Singapore can put a policy in place. There are other Asian countries such as Japan and South Korea already engaging on this. It will be an easy win for Singapore,” he added.

Airbnb’s launch of its guided-tour service, Trips, could help the cause as more people sign up to be Experiences hosts while boosting tourism revenue. Lehane agrees there is an “inherent value proposition” with Trips. “As we go forward, we’re spreading economic benefits and bringing opportunities, allowing cities to benefit from tourism that aligns with their interests. With the Trips platform, particularly as cities are building tourism strategies as a central economic strategy, they recognise we’re a good partner for them.”

Trips will be offered in Singapore next year. And Airbnb is already hard at work on this initiative. Robin Kwok, Airbnb’s head of Business Operations & Strategy Asia Pacific, told TODAY that the company will be having an open discussion with relevant authorities such as the Singapore Tourism Board in the coming weeks about these matters.

“Asia is the fastest-growing region for travel, and Singapore is a mature market that provides easy access to other places such as Bali. We think our travellers will want the great cultural experiences Singapore provides,” said Kwok. “With Trips, locals here can be great representatives for Singapore.” Serene Lim

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