RESIDENTS of a picturesque village say their area is being ruined by tourists and Airbnb wonders.
Locals in popular tourist village of Llanberis in the Snowdonia mountains of North Wales feel they are being pushed out after holiday lets almost doubled.
Community worker Eric Baylis, 72, says he doesn’t agree with the number of Airbnbs in the village.
He explained: “We already have enough hotels and B&Bs here to cater for the amount of visitors we get. We don’t need more Airbnbs."
He highlighted the nearby village of Abersoch – dubbed Cheshire on Sea for the number of holiday homes which leaves local people pushed out.
He said: “You see how second homes and Airbnbs have affected places like Abersoch. The way things are going here, Llanberis will be the next Abersoch.”
The number of holiday lets in Abersoch has become such an issue that the council is consulting on a change to planning rules which would require owners of main residences, second homes and holiday lets to obtain planning consent before they can switch to either a second home or holiday let.
Between 2018 and 2021, the number of walkers and climbers on Snowdon – now known as Yr Wyddfa – increased from 500,000 to 700,000, creating added demand for local short-term lettings.
While rising house prices and people moving to the area have been cited as pressures on the property market, many believe holiday lets and short term lets are the main problem.
Eric said: “Unfortunately, Airbnbs have moved away their initial idea, which was to rent spare rooms.
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“Now whole houses are being bought to rent, pushing up prices and depriving local young people of the chance to stay in the community where they grew up.”
Rental analysts AirDNA say rentals all contribute to the local economy.
“Many properties were likely already second homes,” said a spokesperson.
"They're now empty less frequently, as the owners are renting them out while they’re not around.
"Nonetheless, holiday lets have brought in more than £1.5m this year so far, and over £2.5m last year, just on accommodation.
"Of course, guests also spend in local restaurants, shops, and attractions, so the true economic impact is much higher.”
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