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Re: Homeaway/VRBO scam
[Re: tpcook]
#95657
04/25/2016 10:13 PM
04/25/2016 10:13 PM
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Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 1,668 Memphis, BVI, CT
RatmansWife
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 1,668
Memphis, BVI, CT
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HA has been a monopoly for individual homeowners, particularly those with higher-end properties. However, AirBNB has won the name recognition game, especially with younger travelers. HA covets ABB's "take rate", so they devised this "service charge", which they aren't even honest about, letting guests believe the homeowner is receiving it. Now Expedia owns HA. Don't hold your breath waiting for anti-monopoly action. Governments seem more intent on extracting as much revenue as possible from short-term rentals, or in some cases banning them as a public nuisance.
In some locations, local tourist promotion organizations have been effective in setting up rental sites specific to that area. That is certainly something the BVIs could do to promote tourism, although the government seems more focused on bringing in cruise ship hordes. Instead of hotel projects - like Prospect Reef - they could build a more effective rental network.
The other ominous event is that HA's Australian site has begun urging owners to forgo direct contact with guests in favor of all inquiries and responses going through the HA system. Some active owners are convinced this will be introduced in the US within a year; owners will no longer receive the names or contact information for their enquirers. That explains the guest review system they are implementing: no need to vet your guests if another owner said they were okay. Pretty obvious BS to me.
Anyway, all owners should spend some time perusing the HA community board. Tom Hale, the COO, left last week, and they are supposed to make a big announcement this Thursday, April 28.
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