Closure of Popular Airbnb 'The Shark House' to Impact Tourism Sector in Oxford

oxford - The Shark House, a popular Airbnb location in Oxford, is set to close down following a legal battle with the local council. The closure is expected to have implications for the tourism industry in the city.

Dr. Magnus Hanson-Heine, owner of The Shark House, has lost his appeal against the council's decision to shut down the accommodation. Hanson-Heine believes that the council's move is a setback for the tourism sector in Oxford and urges visitors to continue coming as long as possible.

In 1986, the shark sculpture was erected by Bill Heine, the father of the current owner, as a protest against American bombings in Libya and nuclear weapons. The property has been rented out on Airbnb for the past five years until the council intervened due to a complaint about the change in residential use to short-term rentals.

Over the years, The Shark House has become a popular tourist attraction, accommodating up to ten people. Despite receiving positive reviews on Airbnb, the property will cease to be available for bookings starting from March 11, 2025.

While Hanson-Heine expresses disappointment in the council's decision, councillor Linda Smith applauds the move, citing the housing shortage in Oxford as a reason for cracking down on short-term rental properties.