Airbnb warned over defying lockdown with new bookings

AIRBNB has been warned by the Government to stop accepting bookings as it emerged users had been advertising rental homes as “coronavirus-free”.

The online company yesterday stopped taking reservations from all but key workers after it received a raft of complaints, including from the tourism minister, who reminded the company of stringent lockdown rules preventing all but essential travel.

Nigel Huddleston wrote to a number of online booking platforms, including others such as Booking.com and Hotels. com, which are still showing properties with availability for the weekend.

While all new Airbnb reservations have been cancelled until Apr 18, it is understood that all bookings which had been made in advance of the crackdown can still go ahead, including those for the bank holiday weekend.

As the new rules were coming into force, The Telegraph contacted hosts in tourist hotspots across the country asking if it was possible to book for the Easter weekend. Of the 34 contacted more than a third agreed to the booking for a “getaway” despite government rules, which means accommodation can only be let for essential workers or in an emergency.

Two hosts agreed even after Airbnb’s new rules had come into effect, and one host of a property in West Sussex said the property could still be booked if contacted directly. By yesterday lunchtime those wishing to book were told their dates were no longer available.

Yesterday, Airbnb announced that it would only be taking bookings through its separate site for key workers, at least until April 18. Patrick Robinson, director of public policy at Airbnb, said: “Restricting bookings to key workers and other essential stays will allow hosts to continue supporting frontline workers while following government guidance.”

Mr Huddleston said: “It is right that Airbnb has now restricted bookings to NHS staff, healthcare professionals and key workers. I expect all providers to do the same.”