Airbnb global party ban to run through summer

Airbnb has extended its global ban on house parties until at least the end of this summer, despite the easing of restrictions in some countries.

Under the ban, occupancy is limited to 16 people, with few exceptions for specific venues. Airbnb has removed the “event-friendly” feature from its booking app, and says it will pursue legal action if guests or hosts break the rules.

In a statement on Thursday, it explained: “Throughout the past few weeks, we have heard from members of our community who have sought clarity on whether the ban would remain ineffective, particularly from community members in the regions that are gradually reopening”.

Thus, it said, “we are announcing the extension of the ban through at least the end of Summer 2021 to provide them with that clarity”.

Additionally, in the US, Canada, France and the UK, guests under the age of 25 have been banned from renting entire homes in their local areas.

Bookings have also been banned over high risk periods. For example, in the US, it was announced in April that guests with historically bad reviews would not be permitted to book one-night or last-minute reservations during the Independence Day three day weekend.

Despite its continued caution, Airbnb has previously insisted that it is expecting a “travel rebound unlike anything we have seen before”.

It noted that amongst more-highly vaccinated demographics, it has seen bookings rise, and that it regularly sees bookings jump in countries when leaders announce travel restriction relaxations.