Airbnb Suspended From Amsterdam's Economic Board

Airbnb has been suspended from the Amsterdam Economic Board’s Network Council and is in jeopardy of being terminated from the Board altogether. The site is accused of refusing to reduce the number of days that homes can be rented from 60 days to 30 days a year – the current vacation rental limit in Amsterdam – as the Board has requested. As of July 22, Airbnb was suspended as a member of the Network Council.

The Amsterdam Economic Board comprises of government and private sector companies that partner to create sustainable economic growth in the Amsterdam Metropolitan Area. The goal of the Amsterdam Economic Board is to build a "smart, green and healthy future Amsterdam metro region." A spokesperson for the Board said the Airbnb’s policy is “currently too far removed from the municipality of Amsterdam’s plans to improve the quality of life in the city”

In an email statement to the NL Times, the Board said Airbnb’s membership is in suspension until September 13 when the Agenda Committee reconvenes for the next meeting where they will determine if the company’s membership will be terminated. 

If Airbnb decides after termination to comply with the tighter 30-day rule, there is a chance the company would be allowed to rejoin – after a vote. “But that would definitely be a more constructive understanding/conversation,” said a spokesperson for the Board. 

A letter from the office of Councilor Udo Kock was distributed on Tuesday to the council, stating that Airbnb was informed on July 8 of the impending suspension if the company did not implement the rule. When no changes were made, the Agenda Committee moved forward with the suspension. 

Kock continued, “The 30-day rule of the municipality of Amsterdam contributes to reducing the negative impact of the business model, by helping to enforce it, Airbnb can show social responsibility.”

Airbnb disagrees with the reason for its suspension, but will continue to work towards remedying their relationship with the city of Amsterdam.  “This is a political decision and while we disagree with it, we remain focused on working with the national and Amsterdam government on sustainable tourism measures that back Amsterdammers and local businesses.”