Airbnb has been getting backlash on social media for a San Francisco bus stop advertisement that was shared on Facebook. People were in doubt as to authenticity of the advertisement, thinking perhaps it's just an hoax however it appears that it is a legit ad from Airbnb.
Techcrunch reports that the ad was confirmed by the company in an interview with Airbnb's public affairs personnel, Christopher Nulty.
"The intent was to show the hotel tax contribution from our hosts and guests, which is roughly $1 million per month. It was the wrong tone and we apologize to anyone who was offended. These ads are being taken down immediately."
The controversial ads offered several suggestions as to how the city could spend the money that Airbnb contributes in hotel tax. Some of the ads show funny San Francisco-centric suggestions like having public works built on escalators along the city's steepest hills. However, the other ads did not appeal to San Francisco residents. One ad suggested that public libraries should use Airbnb's tax money on extending open hours. Here's how the ad goes:
Dear Public Library System,
We hope you use some of the $12 million in hotel taxes to keep the library open later.
Love, Airbnb
Here are the other suggestions that Airbnb have posted to different locations in San Francisco:
- "Please use $12 million in hotel taxes to feed all expired parking meters."
- "We hope you use some of the $12 million in hotel taxes to put escalators on all the hills."
- "We hope you use some of the $12 million in hotel taxes to keepthe library open later."
- "Please use some of the $12 million in hotel taxes to keep music in schools."
It was reported that Airbnb has been stepping up in their advertising strategies. The company has run a city-wide campaigns ever since San Francisco has attempted to the ballot initiative which could place restrictions on Airbnb rentals.
