The CEO of Airbnb, Brian Chesky, has addressed concerns about the impact of the platform on housing availability in cities like New York. Despite denying that Airbnb directly causes housing shortages, Chesky acknowledged that the company’s popularity can lead to unintended consequences. He emphasized the importance of listening to cities and adapting to address any issues that may arise.

Since its launch in 2007, Airbnb has grown to offer over seven million properties worldwide for short-term stays. However, the company is currently adjusting to new regulations in New York City, which impose restrictions on short-term rentals. These rules have significantly affected Airbnb’s offerings in the city, leading to a shift towards longer-term stays and alternative locations.

Chesky highlighted that while New York may experience a decline in short-term rentals, neighboring towns in New Jersey and Connecticut are seeing an increase in bookings. He emphasized that people still desire to visit New York, but may choose to stay in other cities due to affordability or regulatory constraints.

During his visit to New York City, Chesky announced new features for Airbnb customers and hosts, including “Guest Favorites” to showcase highly-rated properties and enhanced reviews providing more detailed information about the type of travelers and trips. Additionally, a new listings tab allows hosts to highlight property amenities, supported by an AI-powered photo tour.

In conclusion, Chesky’s statements reflect Airbnb’s efforts to address concerns raised by cities and adapt to new regulations, while also emphasizing the potential for alternative communities to benefit from shifts in the short-term rental market.

Original news source: Airbnb boss ‘listening’ to cities’ housing concerns (BBC)

Listen

Slow

Normal

Fast

Group or Classroom Activities

Warm-up Activities:

– News Reporter Role-play
Instructions: Students pair up, with one playing the role of a journalist and the other as Airbnb’s CEO, Brian Chesky. The journalist conducts an interview with Chesky about the recent concerns regarding Airbnb’s impact on housing availability and the company’s adaptation to new regulations. Students should switch roles after a few minutes to ensure both get to play each role.

– Opinion Spectrum
Instructions: Create a line in the classroom representing a spectrum of opinions from “strongly agree” to “strongly disagree.” Read out statements related to the article, such as “Airbnb’s presence in a city directly causes housing shortages,” and ask students to stand at the point on the spectrum that represents their opinion. Encourage students to discuss their positions and the reasons behind them.

– Vocabulary Pictionary
Instructions: Write down key terms from the article (e.g., short-term rentals, regulatory constraints, housing availability, unintended consequences) on slips of paper. Students take turns drawing a term without speaking, while their team guesses the vocabulary. This activity helps reinforce new vocabulary from the article in a fun and engaging way.

– Pros and Cons
Instructions: Split students into two groups. One group lists the pros of Airbnb’s business model and its impact on local communities, while the other lists the cons, focusing on issues like housing shortages and regulatory challenges. Afterward, have a class discussion comparing the lists and reflecting on the complexities of the situation.

– Future Predictions
Instructions: Have students work in small groups to discuss and write down their predictions about the future of Airbnb and the short-term rental market. Encourage them to consider the effects of regulations, competition, and changing travel habits. Each group can then present their predictions, with the rest of the class providing feedback or additional insights.

Comprehension Questions:

1. What concerns has Brian Chesky, the CEO of Airbnb, addressed regarding the platform’s impact on housing availability?
2. How has Airbnb’s popularity potentially contributed to housing issues in cities?
3. What is the current number of properties available worldwide on Airbnb?
4. What specific changes is Airbnb making in response to new regulations in New York City?
5. How have Airbnb’s offerings in New York City been affected by the new short-term rental regulations?
6. According to Chesky, how are neighboring towns to New York benefiting from the regulations imposed on short-term rentals?
7. Can you list some of the new features announced by Chesky for Airbnb customers and hosts?
8. What do Chesky’s statements suggest about Airbnb’s approach to addressing the concerns of cities and adapting to new regulations?
Go to answers ⇩

Listen and Fill in the Gaps:

The CEO of Airbnb, Brian (1)______, has addressed concerns about the impact of the (2)______ on (3)______ availability in cities like New York. Despite denying that Airbnb directly causes housing shortages, Chesky (4)______ that the company’s popularity can lead to unintended consequences. He emphasized the importance of listening to cities and adapting to address any issues that may arise.

Since its launch in 2007, Airbnb has grown to offer over seven million (5)______ worldwide for short-term stays. However, the company is currently adjusting to new regulations in New York City, which impose restrictions on short-term rentals. These rules have significantly (6)______ Airbnb’s offerings in the city, (7)______ to a shift towards longer-term stays and (8)______ locations.

Chesky highlighted that while New York may experience a decline in short-term rentals, (9)______ towns in New (10)______ and Connecticut are seeing an (11)______ in bookings. He emphasized that people still desire to visit New York, but may choose to stay in other (12)______ due to affordability or regulatory constraints.

During his visit to New York City, Chesky announced new features for Airbnb customers and hosts, including “Guest Favorites” to showcase highly-rated properties and enhanced reviews providing more (13)______ information about the type of travelers and trips. Additionally, a new listings tab allows hosts to highlight (14)______ amenities, supported by an AI-powered photo tour.

In conclusion, Chesky’s statements reflect Airbnb’s (15)______ to address concerns raised by cities and adapt to new regulations, while also emphasizing the potential for alternative communities to benefit from shifts in the short-term (16)______ market.
Go to answers ⇩

Discussion Questions:

Students can ask a partner these questions, or discuss them as a group.

1. What is your opinion on the role of platforms like Airbnb in the housing market of big cities?
2. How would you feel if a large number of properties in your neighborhood were used as short-term rentals?
3. Do you think that companies like Airbnb should be responsible for mitigating any negative impacts they have on local housing availability? Why or why not?
4. Have you ever stayed in an Airbnb property, and if so, what was your experience like?
5. What do you believe are the main advantages and disadvantages of short-term rentals for both guests and local communities?
6. How do you think cities should balance the need for tourist accommodation with the housing needs of residents?
7. Do you like the idea of “Guest Favorites” and enhanced reviews on Airbnb? Why or why not?
8. Do you think that the rise of short-term rental platforms has had an impact on traditional hospitality businesses like hotels? In what way?
9. How would you feel if your city imposed strict regulations on short-term rentals as New York City has done?
10. Do you think the shift towards longer-term stays on Airbnb is a positive development? Why or why not?
11. In your opinion, what could be the potential benefits for neighboring towns experiencing an increase in bookings due to regulations in nearby cities?
12. Do you think AI-powered features, like photo tours for listings, significantly improve the user experience on rental platforms?
13. How important do you believe affordability is when choosing a place to stay during travel?
14. What is your stance on the argument that Airbnb and similar platforms can lead to gentrification in certain neighborhoods?
15. Do you think the presence of Airbnb has changed the way people travel and experience new places? How so?

Individual Activities

Vocabulary Meanings:

Match each word to its meaning.

Words:
1. Airbnb
2. CEO
3. New York
4. regulations
5. properties
6. cities
7. hosts
8. features

Meanings:
(a) Rules or restrictions
(b) People who provide accommodations
(c) The leader of a company
(d) The largest city in the United States
(e) Buildings or real estate
(f) A popular platform for short-term stays
(g) Characteristics or attributes of something
(h) Urban areas with a large population
Go to answers ⇩

Multiple Choice Questions:

1. What did Brian Chesky emphasize as the importance for Airbnb?
(a) Listening to cities and adapting to address any issues
(b) Ignoring city concerns and continuing as usual
(c) Expanding without considering housing shortages
(d) Focusing solely on short-term rentals

2. How many properties does Airbnb offer worldwide for short-term stays?
(a) Over seven million
(b) Two million
(c) Five million
(d) Ten million

3. What city has imposed restrictions on short-term rentals, significantly affecting Airbnb’s offerings?
(a) Los Angeles
(b) Chicago
(c) New York City
(d) Miami

4. According to Brian Chesky, where are people choosing to stay due to affordability or regulatory constraints in New York?
(a) Los Angeles
(b) Neighboring towns in New Jersey and Connecticut
(c) Miami
(d) Chicago

5. What new feature did Brian Chesky announce for Airbnb customers and hosts?
(a) “Host Haters” to showcase poorly-rated properties
(b) “Guest Favorites” to showcase highly-rated properties
(c) “Property Problems” to highlight issues with listings
(d) “Traveler Troubles” to showcase negative traveler experiences

6. What does the new listings tab for hosts allow them to highlight?
(a) Nearby attractions
(b) Local restaurants
(c) Transportation options
(d) Property amenities

7. What type of tour is supported by an AI-powered feature for hosts?
(a) Video tour
(b) Virtual reality tour
(c) Audio tour
(d) Photo tour

8. What do Brian Chesky’s statements reflect about Airbnb’s efforts?
(a) Ignoring concerns raised by cities and continuing as usual
(b) Expanding without considering housing shortages
(c) Addressing concerns raised by cities and adapting to new regulations
(d) Focusing solely on short-term rentals

Go to answers ⇩

True or False Questions:

1. New regulations in New York City have relaxed restrictions on short-term rentals, negligibly affecting Airbnb’s offerings in the city.
2. The new listings tab prohibits hosts from highlighting property amenities, supported by an AI-powered photo tour.
3. Chesky admitted that Airbnb directly causes housing shortages but denied that the company’s popularity can lead to unintended consequences.
4. Airbnb is introducing new features for customers and hosts, including “Guest Favorites,” enhanced reviews, and a new listings tab.
5. Airbnb has grown to offer over seven million properties worldwide for short-term stays since its launch in 2007.
6. Chesky’s statements contradict Airbnb’s efforts to address concerns raised by cities and adapt to new regulations, while also emphasizing the potential for alternative communities to benefit from shifts in the short-term rental market.
7. The CEO of Airbnb, Brian Chesky, has addressed concerns about the impact of the platform on housing availability in cities like New York.
8. Chesky highlighted that neighboring towns in New Jersey and Connecticut are seeing an increase in bookings as a result of the decline in short-term rentals in New York.
Go to answers ⇩

Write a Summary:

Write a summary of this news article in two sentences.

Writing Questions:

Answer the following questions. Write as much as you can for each answer.

1. What concerns did Brian Chesky, the CEO of Airbnb, address regarding the platform’s impact on housing availability in cities?
2. How has Airbnb’s presence in New York City been affected by new regulations on short-term rentals?
3. What is the observed trend in neighboring towns to New York City concerning Airbnb bookings, according to Chesky?
4. Can you list the new features announced by Chesky for Airbnb customers and hosts during his visit to New York City?
5. How does Chesky’s statement illustrate Airbnb’s response to the challenges posed by city regulations and the changing rental market?

Answers

Comprehension Question Answers:

1. What concerns has Brian Chesky, the CEO of Airbnb, addressed regarding the platform’s impact on housing availability?
Chesky addressed concerns about the impact of Airbnb on housing availability in cities like New York, acknowledging that the company’s popularity can lead to unintended consequences on local housing markets.

2. How has Airbnb’s popularity potentially contributed to housing issues in cities?
The popularity of Airbnb can potentially contribute to housing issues by reducing the number of properties available for long-term residents, as more properties are turned into short-term rentals.

3. What is the current number of properties available worldwide on Airbnb?
Airbnb offers over seven million properties worldwide for short-term stays.

4. What specific changes is Airbnb making in response to new regulations in New York City?
Airbnb is adjusting to new regulations in New York City by shifting towards longer-term stays and alternative locations, as the new rules impose restrictions on short-term rentals.

5. How have Airbnb’s offerings in New York City been affected by the new short-term rental regulations?
The new short-term rental regulations have significantly affected Airbnb’s offerings in New York City, leading to a decrease in short-term rentals.

6. According to Chesky, how are neighboring towns to New York benefiting from the regulations imposed on short-term rentals?
Neighboring towns in New Jersey and Connecticut are seeing an increase in bookings as people choose to stay in these locations due to affordability or regulatory constraints when visiting New York.

7. Can you list some of the new features announced by Chesky for Airbnb customers and hosts?
Some new features announced include “Guest Favorites” to showcase highly-rated properties, enhanced reviews providing more detailed information about the type of travelers and trips, and a new listings tab that allows hosts to highlight property amenities, supported by an AI-powered photo tour.

8. What do Chesky’s statements suggest about Airbnb’s approach to addressing the concerns of cities and adapting to new regulations?
Chesky’s statements suggest that Airbnb is making efforts to address the concerns raised by cities and adapt to new regulations by listening to cities, modifying their offerings, and introducing new features to improve the experience for both customers and hosts.
Go back to questions ⇧

Listen and Fill in the Gaps Answers:

(1) Chesky
(2) platform
(3) housing
(4) acknowledged
(5) properties
(6) affected
(7) leading
(8) alternative
(9) neighboring
(10) Jersey
(11) increase
(12) cities
(13) detailed
(14) property
(15) efforts
(16) rental
Go back to questions ⇧

Vocabulary Meanings Answers:

1. Airbnb
Answer: (c) The leader of a company

2. CEO
Answer: (f) A popular platform for short-term stays

3. New York
Answer: (d) The largest city in the United States

4. regulations
Answer: (a) Rules or restrictions

5. properties
Answer: (e) Buildings or real estate

6. cities
Answer: (b) People who provide accommodations

7. hosts
Answer: (h) Urban areas with a large population

8. features
Answer: (g) Characteristics or attributes of something
Go back to questions ⇧

Multiple Choice Answers:

1. What did Brian Chesky emphasize as the importance for Airbnb?
Answer: (a) Listening to cities and adapting to address any issues

2. How many properties does Airbnb offer worldwide for short-term stays?
Answer: (a) Over seven million

3. What city has imposed restrictions on short-term rentals, significantly affecting Airbnb’s offerings?
Answer: (c) New York City

4. According to Brian Chesky, where are people choosing to stay due to affordability or regulatory constraints in New York?
Answer: (b) Neighboring towns in New Jersey and Connecticut

5. What new feature did Brian Chesky announce for Airbnb customers and hosts?
Answer: (b) “Guest Favorites” to showcase highly-rated properties

6. What does the new listings tab for hosts allow them to highlight?
Answer: (d) Property amenities

7. What type of tour is supported by an AI-powered feature for hosts?
Answer: (d) Photo tour

8. What do Brian Chesky’s statements reflect about Airbnb’s efforts?
Answer: (c) Addressing concerns raised by cities and adapting to new regulations
Go back to questions ⇧

True or False Answers:

1. New regulations in New York City have relaxed restrictions on short-term rentals, negligibly affecting Airbnb’s offerings in the city. (Answer: False)
2. The new listings tab prohibits hosts from highlighting property amenities, supported by an AI-powered photo tour. (Answer: False)
3. Chesky admitted that Airbnb directly causes housing shortages but denied that the company’s popularity can lead to unintended consequences. (Answer: False)
4. Airbnb is introducing new features for customers and hosts, including “Guest Favorites,” enhanced reviews, and a new listings tab. (Answer: True)
5. Airbnb has grown to offer over seven million properties worldwide for short-term stays since its launch in 2007. (Answer: True)
6. Chesky’s statements contradict Airbnb’s efforts to address concerns raised by cities and adapt to new regulations, while also emphasizing the potential for alternative communities to benefit from shifts in the short-term rental market. (Answer: False)
7. The CEO of Airbnb, Brian Chesky, has addressed concerns about the impact of the platform on housing availability in cities like New York. (Answer: True)
8. Chesky highlighted that neighboring towns in New Jersey and Connecticut are seeing an increase in bookings as a result of the decline in short-term rentals in New York. (Answer: True)
Go back to questions ⇧