Boycott threat hurts my business

[Smithson0]

I just learned that because Joe Gebbia is now working for Elon Musk, there is a boycott of Air BnBs that has started to gain traction. 

I am very concerned that yet another multi-billionaire has decided to participate in the ransacking of the US federal government. But I am even more concerned that the eight years of hard work my wife and I have put in to our rental cottage is going to be wiped out in a few months due to poor choices by a man who sits on the board of directors of Air BnB. This boycott is real and is gaining traction. If your board doesn't care about my economic well-being, I will have to start making other plans to list my properties elsewhere. 

If Gebbia wants to pal around with Musk while they destroy federal workers' lives, he should not do it while sitting on the Air BnB Board.

[Lorna170]

@Smithson0 It's time to diversify!  With the pounding that Asheville has taken from Helene, the last thing we need to be worrying about is the boycotting of AirBnB.  I have listed with several other OTAs -- yes, it is a daily chore to ensure that the information on each site is consistent and that any bookings are correctly reflected, but it necessary to ensure continuing income.  

I am also reaching out to some of the better-known realtors in the area to see what kind of contract they would offer me.  

Good luck to you!

[Helen3]

It's heartbreaking isn't it .But don't despair there are lots of alternative ways to market yourself STR business.  @Smithson0 

Luckily Airbnb is one of a number of STR platforms you can use , you can take direct bookings and market yourself to guests who you see as your target market .

[Allison673]

As I host and a guest I am also inclined to boycott the platform because Gabbia is joining DOGE. Airbnb needs to cut him loose or force him to withdrawal from government activities. Can’t have it both ways. 

[Paul12002]

I am not a host, but have used airbnb several times over the past 5-6 yrs for vacations with my family. 

I understand that this boycott can hurt hosts who do not agree with DOGE and the airbnb founder/board member. But, DOGE is destroying our country, our democracy and my family directly. Due to this, I will not be using AirBnB in the future. Even if he is kicked off the board, this ****** wealth comes from his stake in airbnb, and that, I can not support in any way. 

[Derrick189]

Try listing on other sites to. Most AirBnB rentals are listed across sites as a way to help. We ended up renting a home we used from AirBnB but they were listed on a different platform. 

[Victoria110]

This is boycott is upsetting. I’ve hosted for 11 years .. renting out my second bedroom. I’ve now  dear friends around the world from hosting and being a guest. As a teacher and artist the income has helped me greatly. I’m not taking away housing nor am I gentrifying my neighborhood . 

Gebbia left Airbnb in 2022 but remains on the board …His continued presence is causing problems. It would be a positive statement for the company to get rid of him. I’m wondering if we hosts / guests could pressure the platform to do so ?

In Airbnbs defense it hasn’t folded to Trump. It hasn’t  changed its DEI protocols , still houses people during disasters, continues to allow users to book rooms in Ukraine without fees  getting money directly to Ukrainian families and  has a Community Fund that distributes money to organizations supporting communities around the world.

It’s not the enemy but has for many years been an easy target  and now Gebbia is making things worse.