According to one Door County hotel operator, the surge of Airbnb destinations in the area has put a strain on her business. Melaniejane, co-owner of The Holiday Music Motel in Sturgeon Bay, said the hospitality and lodging service pulls business away during the winter months and forces her and her competitors to fight for what little customers are left. If left unchecked, Melaniejane said, the lack of business could have consequences most don’t think about.

Melaniejane mentioned that the rise of Airbnb in Door County has also made it harder for those seeking year-round residency to find a place to live. Declining to say Airbnb had no place in Door County, she said the service is most helpful to the community during the busiest times of the year when hotels are often fully booked