Regional tourism growth sees rise in Airbnb listings, but its leaving renting families high and dry

With a regional tourism boom and the potential for greater financial returns, more property owners in some regional centres are listing their homes for short-term holiday accommodation instead of leasing to long-term tenants.

In just a 15-minute period Leisa McKinnon’s phone goes off twice: a five-night booking and a three-night booking for her Airbnb property.

“There it goes,” Ms McKinnon said.

She is accustomed to her phone’s “ping” as guests book her…