One of the first cities targeted for dialogue when the platform launched a decade ago has since become a focal point for addressing a familiar set of challenges. In New York, a September rule change effectively curbs the use of the temporary rental app for tourist residences. The impact is visible: tens of thousands of apartments were removed from the platform, yet hotel prices rose about 8 percent, and available housing sticks around as a scarce resource. The founder of the company commented on the move this week, noting the harsh regulatory stance and its limited ripple effects.
The manager Nathan Blecharczyk stood out as a key speaker at the Smart City Expo World Congress. The event runs at Fira Barcelona’s Gran Via hall from this Tuesday through Thursday, November 9. On stage, Blecharczyk outlined his stance on regulation, signaling a desire to shape a framework that could evolve with collaborators from various sectors. He suggested a collaborative approach to rules for the platform, emphasizing joint consideration with other businesses.
Blecharczyk pointed to data from the Top 200 Airbnb cities, noting that about four in five have some form of regulation. He attributed the diversity of rules to the jurisdictional nature of local laws, describing regulation as a normal, expected part of the industry. He added that norms and standards are necessary to keep the market fair and transparent for residents and visitors alike.
In Barcelona, Blecharczyk highlighted the platform’s constructive relationship with public administration. He noted progress since 2018 when the app began sharing statistical data with local authorities, strengthening mutual trust. He also mentioned the European Commission’s planned community regulation for short-term rentals, which Airbnb welcomed as a positive step for clarity and balance in the market.
Rising housing costs and tourist concentration
Blecharczyk acknowledged that rising housing costs and the concentration of tourism are complex issues with multiple contributing factors. He argued that Airbnb is not the sole driver of these trends. He described housing affordability as a structural challenge shaped by broader economic forces and policy choices beyond the platform’s reach.
Asked about tourist overcrowding, he framed it as an industry-wide problem rather than a single company’s fault. He pointed to destinations like Venice and other highly sought-after spots where Airbnb can accommodate only a small share of visitors, underscoring the limits of platform capacity in peak seasons.
The executive pressed a balanced narrative, noting that Airbnb can have a positive impact. In places where regulation has tightened, hosts often switch to other, less controlled channels. The company also serves as a source of income for many residents who rely on short-term rentals to supplement earnings. As a practical example, Blecharczyk cited a homeowner in Spain who earns an average of four thousand euros annually through such activity.”