NEWS
Travel industry hails move to tackle ‘rogue’ landlords
includes compelling evidence that individuals abuse the system, acting in a commercial manner, profiting while putting customers at risk and undermining other hospitality businesses. “Hotels, bed-and-breakfasts and
Kate Nicholls By Samantha Mayling
Industry bodies have welcomed a parliamentary report about Airbnb and similar websites which says more must be done to protect consumer safety and “level the playing field”.
The All Party Parliamentary
Group for Tourism report on the sharing economy recognises the sector can provide “significant tourism benefits” but calls for more regulation and checks to ensure accommodation operators are paying the right taxes. Blackpool MP Gordon Marsden,
chair of the APPG, said the rapid expansion of the sector “raises urgent issues as to how some of the unintended consequences for those affected should be addressed”.
David Weston “A number of those sharing
platforms are taking steps to try and address some of those unintended consequences, particularly in relation to some of the growing concerns about the adequacy of fire and utilities,” he said. “But none of that should override the basic principle of a level playing field for all accommodation in terms of responsibilities and requirements for visitor safety.” Marsden told The Guardian:
“There is an image that this is a lot of happy, jolly people with a spare room trying to make some pin money. That’s true, but it’s also true that there seems to be systematic attempts to do block- booking in blocks of flats.” Kate Nicholls, UKHospitality chief executive, said: “The report
other accommodation providers comply with rigorous checks to ensure safety and they operate within a very strict tax environment. Potentially unsafe accommodation and rogue landlords – effectively operating as businesses and often not paying tax – should not be tolerated.” David Weston, Bed & Breakfast Association chairman, said a registration scheme could level the playing field and improve safety checks on Airbnb-type premises. Merilee Karr, founder and chief
executive of UnderTheDoormat, is chair of the Short-Term Accommodation Association. She said: “All the major players in the industry who formed the STAA are committed to raising standards and spreading best practice. Since our formation we have already developed a number of initiatives designed to address the issues raised in the report.”
PLANS FOR VISITOR ATTRACTION AT ROYAL LIVER BUILDING An attraction is planned for Liverpool’s famous Royal Liver Building, with visitors able to have 360-degree views over the city. Plans have been submitted, and developers hope the attraction and tour will open in early 2019 with tickets available towards the end of 2018. The waterfront building is co-owned by Luxembourg- based investment group, Corestate Capital, and Everton FC majority shareholder Farhad Moshiri. The attraction will be designed and operated by Heritage Great
Britain with Corestate. Liverpool-based Heritage Great Britain owns and operates Snowdon Mountain Railway, Land’s End and The Needles Landmark Attraction. Allan Leech, Heritage Great Britain chief executive, said: “It’s the first time in a number of generations that the world-famous building will be accessible to tourists and residents, giving behind-the-scenes access and stunning 360-degree views across the city and region, together with cutting-edge technology to educate and entertain visitors.”
heritagegb.co.uk
6 TravelGBI | September 2018 Chester races
Sport of Kings fam trip is an odds-on favourite
A group of Travel Counsellors from the United Arab Emirates has explored English destinations and racecourses in the ‘Horse Racing – Sport of Kings’ tourism initiative. Thanks to a grant from the £40 million Discover England Fund, the project promotes English luxury sporting and heritage breaks to the Gulf Cooperation Council market. The travel agents’ fam trip
visited five destinations and six racecourses, with highlights such as Newmarket, the global ‘Home of Horseracing’, and the parade ring at Royal Ascot. The itinerary also included Windsor Castle, York and Manor House Stables in Cheshire. The ‘Sport of Kings’ scheme was launched during the Dubai World Cup and luxury itineraries are available for American Express Middle East Card members with access to Premium Travel Concierge Services. Maggie Bootsman, Travel Counsellors UAE general manager, said: “The Sport of Kings opportunity is a unique experience for anyone interested in horse racing in England. For serious enthusiasts, it is a dream come true to have a behind-the-scenes look at the history of the sport and to see the modern-day facilities.” Kate Dawson, Chester
Racecourse head of sales and commercial, said: “This initiative provides us with opportunities to collectively promote our unique racing offering, while linking to key heritage destinations – all to an international market.” Sport of Kings tailored luxury
packages will be launched later in 2018, featuring experiences such as those enjoyed on the fam trip, with activities such as VIP tours of racehorse stud farms and training stables.
travelgbi.com
©Ian Southerin
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