Passive aggressive AirBnb ads only catalyse tax criticism
Airbnb is set to dump its latest San Francisco ad campaign suggesting the local industry should be thankful it pays its hotel tax.
The ads took referenced a variety of industries, claiming its hotel tax helps contribute to the local economy - after the firm's contribtuions were the point of public scrutiny for many years.
The campaign claimed Airbnb's contribution could help expand library opening hours to humourous references to street escalators for the city’s numerous hills.
After being installed on Thursday morning, Airbnb confirmed to Business Insider that the inflammatory outdoor creative was to be removed. One spokesman said: “The intent was to show the hotel tax contribution from our hosts and guests, which is roughly $1 million per month.
"It was the wrong tone and we apologize to anyone who was offended. These ads are being taken down immediately.”
The ads erected around the San Francisco area were criticised on social media.
Dear @Airbnb These passive-aggressive bus kiosk ads are *not cool* No love, the librarians https://t.co/rdo39E7sdz pic.twitter.com/Lf3TCAYYbw
— jessamyn west (@jessamyn) October 21, 2015
Hey @airbnb: screw you. Hey libraries: we love you & wish you could have MORE tax money. https://t.co/CkNztclDxH pic.twitter.com/gSOxqBSmE1
— Austin Kleon (@austinkleon) October 22, 2015
@sarahjeong @juliacarriew another @Airbnb sign at Oak and Stanyan directed at SF Recreation and Parks pic.twitter.com/CeVUVHJBY0
— Urvi Nagrani (@theurv) October 22, 2015
Poor @Airbnb libertarians forced to pay tax lash out at public libraries. https://t.co/86udjrpysP Via @substack pic.twitter.com/oQQyl1mtOI
— Aral Balkan (@aral) October 22, 2015
One user drafted up a response ad.
Hey @Airbnb, why don't you try helping our community instead of "disrupting" it? pic.twitter.com/w0R6hpgW9a
— (@steph_monette) October 22, 2015
The ad offensive comes as the cities sees a proposed ballot (Proposition F) looking to crackdown upon short term rentals.