Richard Solomons, chief executive of of InterContinental Hotels Group has said that fast-growing internet companies should be subject to the same regulations as regular firms.

Speaking to The Telegraph Solomons said there was a a “slight naivety” about online businesses and governments should treat internet firms – many of which are developing into global companies – in “exactly the same way” as traditional companies.

In addition, Solomons said that traditional hotel firms, which are often far bigger employers than internet ventures, are currently at a disadvantage to fast-growing internet companies such as Airbnb - the accommodation website with financial backers including actor Ashton Kutcher - as one example where online firms were subject to different rules.

Airbnb allows people to rent out spare rooms to visitors, and Solomons raised issues such as fire safety, food safety, security issues and cleanliness – things hoteliers are required to keep as a basic standard.

“If you are paying somebody for a service and that service is sold as a major operation, it’s becoming a big business then why would different standards apply?” said Solomons. “Governance and regulation needs to treat online businesses the same way as existing businesses so that existing businesses are not put at a disadvantage.”

Solomons made his comments ahead of the World Economic Forum taking place next week, where IHG will launch its latest industry trends report.