The hotel industry is suing Airbnb for unfair competition



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PARIS (Reuters) – The French Union of Trades and Industries of the Hotel Industry (Umih) is badigning Airbnb to the Paris Commercial Court for "unfair competition", a spokeswoman said Monday. , confirming information from Le Figaro.

The main federation of the sector accuses the rental platform of furnished not to withdraw ads exceeding the ceiling of 120 nights per year and not to publish the registration number of property, mandatory in some cities.

"More than being a financial tragedy whose consequences are dangerous for the profession and for the economic interest of the French State, the impunity of which Airbnb benefit is unbearable for the hotelier community", can we read in the text of the summons, which Reuters was able to consult.

The Californian company, criticized by some town halls in France and elsewhere in the world, is not at its first legal battle.

"We are (…) not surprised at this new attempt by French hotel lobbies, which follows a long series of lawsuits – all unsuccessful," she said in a statement sent to Reuters.

"While French hotels are more crowded and more expensive than ever, hotel lobbies continue to protect their interests and try to restrict French rights to also benefit from tourism," Airbnb said.

A first hearing is scheduled to take place on February 14, 2019, says the Umih, which claims 143 euros in moral damages "symbolically".

Last April, Airbnb was badigned by the City of Paris, which also accuses the platform of not respecting the rules governing the rental of furnished and, beyond, dry out the traditional real estate market with the consequence of pulling rental prices up.

Several sites, including Airbnb, pledged last June to the government to implement measures by January 1 against illegal ads, including blocking ads beyond 120 nights.

(Simon Carraud, edited by Danielle Rouquié)

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