Airbnb CEO actively addressing housing concerns raised by cities

The CEO of Airbnb, Brian Chesky, has denied claims that the short-term rental platform contributes to housing shortages in cities like New York. The company has faced criticism for driving up rents in various American cities. Chesky argued that Airbnb does not have such a negative impact and pointed out that unintended consequences can arise from the popularity of the platform. He explained that when a technology company puts a tool in the hands of millions of people, issues will naturally occur, and Airbnb is constantly striving to address and adapt to these concerns. Despite facing new regulations that restrict short-term rentals in New York, Chesky noted that the company is adjusting to comply with these rules. Airbnb now primarily focuses on stays of 30 days or longer in New York and is currently expanding its presence in neighboring towns. Chesky also announced new features for Airbnb users and hosts, such as "Guest Favorites" and an enhanced listings tab.