It's not about protecting some industry, it is about the fact that people have an income with Airbnb that often isn't declared. Where ever there is money made,

It's not about protecting some industry, it is about the fact that people have an income with Airbnb that often isn't declared. Where ever there is money made, the government wants a cut. If it creates too much overhead because of too many small fish where it's hard to track them it will usually be outlawed.