I’m not nearly as good at evil, maniacal laughing as Mike Myers was, playing Dr. Evil in the Austin Powers film series. But I’ve been practicing at it, laughing maniacally to myself, or even out loud, when there’s something to maniacally laugh about.
It’s my heh..heh..heh-sounding laugh, and reading a couple stories in the newsfeed on my phone, the other day, I’m — all of a sudden — maniacally laughing.
In the first story, Airbnb has “dubbed” Montana a “top travel spot” for summer vacationers, according to KTVQ-TV in Billings, MT. And wouldn’t you know it, Airbnb happens to offer vacation rentals in the Big Sky Country state.
In the second story, in MarketWatch, I’m informed that “Airbnb, Vrbo and Vacasa vacation rental fees are making hotels seem like a bargain,” and – bingo! – there you have it! Because, in theory, vacation rental firms are providing low-cost travel options for travelers. I think that’s the messaging in their advertising and publicity.
But, in the MarketWatch story, a digital marketing consultant in Knoxville, Tennessee “was unpleasantly surprised when looking for an Airbnb for a recent trip to Nashville. While he was able to find options below his $85 a night budget, cleaning fees of $200 to $300 drove up the price of a weekend getaway considerably.”
Now, picture this… Folks at a vacation rental company’s headquarters celebrating that positive publicity in the KTVQ story, maybe breaking out the champagne. And, then, imagine the mood swing, when they get wind of the MarketWatch story.
I know there’s increasing concern, out your way, about the growing number of short-term rental properties in Pagosa Springs, and I’ve heard the same concerns from neighbors in my California community. But at least the paradox reflected in the two stories provides, perhaps, some hope that circumstances can change.
And if all else fails, there’s always maniacal laughing.
Harvey Radin is former senior vice president in charge of corporate communications and media relations, Bank of America Western Region. He makes his home in Redwood City, CA.