Airbnb announced yesterday a strengthening of its rules and technology to prevent unauthorized parties on New Year's Eve, targeting guests who do not have a history of positive reviews and who attempt to book entire accommodations just for December 31.
The ban will apply to 11 countries, including Spain, and stems from the success of the pilot test implemented last year, whose preventative measure managed to block or redirect the booking attempts of around 340,000 people worldwide on New Year's Eve, including more than 23,500 guests in Spain and 2,400 in Madrid.
In a statement, the company maintains that while the vast majority of hosts and guests on the platform are respectful neighbors and travelers, Airbnb is committed to curbing instances of unauthorized parties, working to prevent unwanted behavior, and helping to prevent problems before they arise, which are more likely to occur at certain times of the year, such as New Year's Eve.
It adds that it will apply restrictions on single-night bookings of entire properties made by guests who have never booked on the platform or do not have a history of positive reviews. Furthermore, more restrictive measures will be implemented for guests who repeatedly attempt to book two- or three-night stays.
The document on the official website explains that the measures will be in effect during the New Year's Eve weekend in 11 countries, including Spain, the United States (including Puerto Rico), Canada, Brazil, Australia, New Zealand, France, the United Kingdom, and - for 2022 - Ireland, Portugal and the Netherlands.
“Every night, Airbnb hosts book accommodations around the world, and we know that the vast majority of guests and hosts are not only respectful of their neighbors but also contribute positively to their communities. However, these measures will help encourage responsible travel and prevent the occasional instance of unwanted behavior, allowing hosts, guests, and communities to enjoy their New Year's celebrations with greater peace of mind,” said Naba Banerjee, Airbnb's Director of Trust and Operations.
Airbnb explains that the expansion of these measures is due to the success of the pilot program conducted in eight countries last New Year's Eve, during which automated restrictions were implemented as part of their ban on parties. Airbnb estimates that, in Spain, these measures have contributed to a 15% year-on-year decrease in party-related incidents on New Year's Eve since their implementation in 2020.
Since their initial implementation on New Year's Eve 2020, these measures have proven crucial in fulfilling the platform's commitment to reducing unauthorized parties and preventing disturbances to neighbors. Furthermore, they have been very well received by the Airbnb host community.
Other actions
In order to continue promoting responsible travel through Airbnb, the platform is constantly exploring new opportunities around the world to introduce these types of initiatives; some examples are:
- The launch of a specific technology to analyze reservations, identify risks, and reduce the incidence of unauthorized parties.
- The addition of a free noise sensor for hosts, in partnership with the technology company Minut.
- The codification of the global ban on unauthorized parties.
- The expansion of the neighborhood assistance line and the 24-hour protection line, from which guests will have access to a priority line with specially trained security agents, day and night.
- Tips for hosts to learn how to avoid parties on their properties.
