TheJakartaPost

Please Update your browser

Your browser is out of date, and may not be compatible with our website. A list of the most popular web browsers can be found below.
Just click on the icons to get to the download page.

Jakarta Post

FamilyMart to allow Airbnb users to pick up keys at its stores

News Desk (Kyodo News)
Tokyo
Wed, May 23, 2018

Share This Article

Change Size

FamilyMart to allow Airbnb users to pick up keys at its stores In 2016, over 200,000 female hosts from around the world are predicted to have obtained at least $ 5,000 each through Airbnb. (Shutterstock/File)

M

ajor Japanese convenience store chain FamilyMart Co. said Monday it will allow tourists staying in accommodation rented through Airbnb Inc. to receive and return door keys at some of its stores.

Ahead of a new law on the private lodging business coming into force in June, FamilyMart hopes the service will lead to increased revenue as Airbnb users are expected to do some shopping at its stores while picking up or returning door keys.

"Our business will expand if foreign travelers staying in private homes do some shopping at our stores," said FamilyMart President Takashi Sawada at a news conference in Tokyo.

Under a business tie-up struck in April with the Japanese unit of the U.S. online home-rental service giant, FamilyMart will set up boxes for the key service at around 150 stores mainly in Tokyo by the end of next February.

Users will be able to confirm their identities by connecting to a call center via tablets located close to the boxes.

Japanese convenience stores are stepping up efforts to cater to travelers staying in private homes, as the new law will allow property owners in Japan to rent out vacant homes or rooms to tourists for up to 180 days per year after registering with local municipalities.

Read also: Airbnb expands offerings with new upscale categories

Seven-Eleven Japan Co., the country's biggest convenience store chain, is teaming up with Japanese travel agency JTB Corp. to offer a similar key collection and return service beginning in June.

The law is aimed at coping with a sharp increase in foreign visitors and a consequent shortage of accommodation, a trend expected to continue toward the 2020 Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games.

{

Your Opinion Matters

Share your experiences, suggestions, and any issues you've encountered on The Jakarta Post. We're here to listen.

Enter at least 30 characters
0 / 30

Thank You

Thank you for sharing your thoughts. We appreciate your feedback.