Yes indeed! This has outcomes I suspect Airbnb has not considered...one resulting in a perverse incentives and the other in discrimination. Let me explain...
About 90% of my customers are domestic. This means I could choose to put way more effort into my domestic guests' happiness than foreigners. For the odd foreigner that comes I am secure in the knowlege that their review will never be seen by 90% of my potential customers.
Now of course I put equal effort into all 'cause it's nicer and more fun. But not all hosts are the same, of course.
My point here is that when you create a policy, it's very important to purposefully consider any perverse incentives you might be creating, and to check it's not in conflict with other policies.
I agree with Robert and Nancy that this policy is discriminating. Hosts can offer poorer service to some groups based on whether they look or sound the same.
I was told by Airbnb customer service that guests believe people from their own country more than foreigners -but what country/culture is it exactly that doesn't value cleanliness, kind hosts, excellent service and value for money????
Finally, guests want to know what the place was like yesterday rather than when a compatriot stayed there last year.
Seems pretty obvious and straightforward to me.....
Sue
