Fringe comes under fire over deal with Airbnb

Edinburgh Fringe bosses are under fire after naming controversial short-let giant Airbnb as an official accommodation partner. Lothian Green MSP Andy Wightman criticised Fringe organisers for promoting an industry which he claims is blighting communities in the heart of the city and depriving locals of housing.

Airbnb says 120,000 people have booked with it for the festival which runs from 3 to 27 August. It claims Airbnb guests will boost Edinburgh’s economy by £48 million, with an estimated £33m spent in shops, restaurants and other businesses, and hosts earning a total of £15m. As part of the deal, Airbnb will give £25,000 funding from its community tourism programme to support increased access at the Fringe. Mr Wightman said: “There is a long tradition of festival lets in Edinburgh which are vital to the success of the Edinburgh Festival and Fringe. Airbnb, however, is a company that is turning a blind eye to unlawful short-term letting operations that are depriving local individuals and families of badly-needed long-term housing and depriving the city’s services and infrastructure of millions of pounds in tax.”