One of the more frustrating aspect of international travel is cell access. Wi-Fi isn’t always available, and additional data plans can be costly. What do you do without access to maps and information? It can make for a harrowing experience in an unfamiliar place where you may or may not be able to communicate with the locals. Just ask Jasper about his trip to Moscow!
David Jacoby, Co-founder and President of Hostfully, joins Jasper to discuss all of the ways that Airbnb is trying to do the right thing. To start, the company is developing a solution to the cell access problem, and their patent application made headlines this week. Airbnb is also working to make things right with regard to racial discrimination on the platform, as well as host non-compliance with regulations in the city of San Francisco.
In addition to those stories, David and Jasper cover an organization that is most decidedly not concerned with doing the right thing. Listen in and learn about the misleading anti-Airbnb ad sponsored by Share Better DC.
Topics Covered
Article #1: Airbnb is Trying to Solve This Irritating Problem for Travelers
•Patent submission for device geared toward travelers with no Wi-Fi or cell network access
•Would allow traveler to download trip info (i.e.: maps, messages, etc.)
•Convenience for hosts of international travelers
•Evidence of Airbnb’s intention to expand beyond home stays
•Aligns with Chesky’s commitment to solve the problems of travel
Article #2: Airbnb, HomeAway Reach Deal with San Francisco Over Registering Hosts
•Ends lawsuit filed in June over rules imposing steep fines for unregistered hosts
•2,100 hosts registered, 8,000 listings in the city
•Hosts will be able to register through the company websites (rather than in person)
•Airbnb will share information with the city for verification
•Goes into effect in eight months
•A significant drop in the number of listings is likely
•May have unintended consequences, e.g.: renters migrating to unregulated platforms, loss of tax revenue
Article #3: Woman in Anti-Airbnb Ad Showing Anacostia is an Actress
•Misleading anti-Airbnb ad sponsored by Share Better DC
•Woman in commercial is an actor from NYC
Article #4: Airbnb Will Let California Screen Some Hosts for Racial Bias
•Agreement with California Department of Fair Employment and Housing
•DFEH will create fake accounts to see if host is complying with fair housing laws
•Screenings limited to hosts with three or more listings (6,000 of the 76,000 total)
Resources Mentioned
Article #1: refinery29.com/2017/04/152318/airbnb-problem-solving-wifi-for-travelers
Article #2: marketwatch.com/story/airbnb-homeaway-reach-deal-with-san-francisco-over-registering-hosts-2017-05-01
Article #3: nbcwashington.com/news/local/Woman-in-Misleading-Anti-Airbnb-Ad-Showing-Anacostia-Is-An-Actress-420752283.html
Article #4: fortune.com/2017/04/29/airbnb-california-racial-bias/
Harvard Study on "Racial Discrimination in the Sharing Economy"
HSDC Trade Show
Connect with Jasper
Email: jasper@getpaidforyourpad.com
Twitter: @GetPaidForUrPad
Instagram: @GetPaidForYourPad
Facebook: www.facebook.com/getpaidforyourpad
This episode is sponsored by Aviva IQ. Aviva IQ automates messages to your Airbnb guests. It's also free!
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