Dear Editor:

Contrary to the claims made in “Edgecomb CEO says Airbnb not just a problem in Portland” (March 28, 2018), the presence of Airbnb hosts and listings in Edgecomb is not a “problem” to be solved --- it is an engine of economic opportunity for hosts and businesses alike.

Across the state, 5,000 Airbnb hosts welcomed 282,000 visitors last year -- a 62 percent increase in inbound guest arrivals over 2016 -- helping to power Maine’s travel economy to record heights.

In Edgecomb, 30 hosts (70 percent of whom are women) welcomed 1,700 inbound guest arrivals, with the typical host earning about $9,000 in supplemental income to pay their rent or mortgage or save for a child’s education or their retirement. In fact, 60 percent of Edgecomb hosts are over the age of 60, highlighting how Airbnb is helping Mainers age in place in the communities they call home.

Airbnb collects and remits state lodging taxes for these hosts and has pioneered a suite of tools that help to keep hosts, guests, and neighbors safe, including: a comprehensive risk-scoring system; screening of hosts and guests against regulatory, terrorist, and sanctions watch lists, as well as sex offender registrations; and our $1 million Host Guarantee and Host Protection Insurance programs.

Airbnb is proud to support families and small businesses throughout Vacationland and look forward to continuing to work with municipalities across Maine to foster responsible home sharing in their communities.

Andrew L. Kalloch

Attorney, Airbnb Public Policy

New York, New York