Fears over 'anti-tourism' protests in London over celebrities booking Airbnbs

A travel expert has issued a warning that the trend of celebrities opting for Airbnb rentals could potentially disrupt the "tranquillity" of modern cities, leading to an increased risk of anti-tourism sentiment.

Reports emerged earlier this week suggesting that some A-listers are now favouring high-end Airbnbs over traditional five-star hotels due to the greater privacy they offer.

However, concerns have been raised about the potential impact of this trend on the ongoing tourism crises in major European hubs, including those in the UK.

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Stephanie Rytting, founder of France Adventurer, spoke to the Express about the potential pros and cons of celebrities switching from hotels to Airbnbs. She suggested that their presence in major cities like London could exacerbate existing issues.

She explained: "It's pretty likely that when celebrities start opting for Airbnb rentals, it could spark more anti-tourism feelings in cities like London. Just look at what happened in Edinburgh, where locals have protested because short-term rentals are making it harder to find housing and disrupting the peace in neighbourhoods.", reports the Express.

"If the same thing happens in London, we might see a similar backlash. The flood of tourists, especially in the most popular spots, can make it even tougher to find affordable housing and push rents higher. This can lead to frustration among locals who feel like their neighbourhoods are being taken over and turned into tourist hotspots at their expense."

"In this situation, if big-name celebrities begin promoting Airbnb stays in London, it could make things worse. Their influence might push more tourists to choose Airbnb over hotels, putting even more pressure on the local housing market and making the locals more unhappy with the changes in their everyday lives."

"Because of this, city officials might have to think about putting tougher rules in place to keep tourism in check while looking out for the people who actually live there."

In addition to highlighting the potential negative effects of celebrity endorsements on major European cities like London, Stephanie also pointed out that a balance needs to be maintained to preserve the wider equilibrium.

She stated: "Airbnb rentals offer an intriguing alternative to traditional hotels, but their impact on local communities is a valid concern. On one hand, celebrities choosing Airbnb can contribute to promoting more authentic and sustainable tourism."

"Rather than being confined to isolated luxury hotels, they have the opportunity to immerse themselves in local life and discover lesser-known neighbourhoods. This can encourage visitors to venture off the beaten path and distribute their economic impact more equitably."

"However, we cannot deny the challenges posed by short-term rentals. In cities like Paris or London, the proliferation of Airbnbs has led to a shortage of affordable housing for permanent residents."

"Additionally, the concentration of tourists in certain neighbourhoods can disrupt the tranquillity of residents and erode the authentic character of these places."

In discussing the delicate balance required, Stephanie commented that "thoughtful regulation" was essential. She continued: "Some cities have already started limiting the number of nights allowed for Airbnb rentals or imposing taxes similar to those applied to hotels."

"These measures aim to preserve access to housing for locals while still allowing visitors to enjoy enriching travel experiences."

The remarks from Stephanie surfaced just hours after The Times revealed a growing trend among celebrities opting for high-end Airbnbs, with a noticeable surge during the Paris Olympics.

Speaking to the publication, Head of holiday rentals at luxury property firm Barnes, Benjamin Brjost pointed out the advantages, noting that when staying in a private mansion "it's secret and it stays that way".