Hospitality industry welcomes government review into short-term holiday lets

Hospitality industry leaders have welcomed the launch of a government review into short-term holiday lets such as those booked through global platform Airbnb.

The review will examine the impact of short-term rentals, which have exploded in popularity in recent years, on tourism hotspots in England.

Airbnb data showed a 33 per cent increase in UK listings between 2017 and 2018.

New rules could be introduced such as physical spot checks of premises to ensure safety regulations and appropriate noise levels are being met.

Ministers are also considering launching a registration "kitemark" scheme for short-term lets, which would also require hosts to be certified before they can operate.

The government said the review, which is calling for evidence and feedback over the next three months, will aim "to improve the holiday letting market" for locals living in tourist destinations.

It follows years of both hospitality industry operators and homeowners living in popular hotspots raising concerns over the regulation of Airbnb-style rentals, and their effect on businesses, communities, and housing markets.

Not 'a level playing-field' for hoteliers

David Weston, chairman of the Bed & Breakfast Association, said: "It is the right time to consider how we protect all consumers, regardless of an accommodation owner’s business model, and level the playing-field between traditional business and those on newer platforms."

UKHospitality said it "welcomed" the review, and chief executive Kate Nicholls hailed it as a chance to create real change.

She said: "The accommodation market has changed rapidly and significantly with the growth of the digital economy, so it’s absolutely proper that the government is consulting in this area.

“There is not a level playing field across accommodation providers at present, and [it is] prompting worrying concerns relating to negative impacts on local communities and the wellbeing of guests."

Tourism Minister, Nigel Huddleston, said: “We want to reap the benefits of the boom in short-term holiday lets while protecting community interests and making sure England has high-quality tourist accommodation.

“While no decisions have been taken, this review will help us work out the options to look at so we can protect our much-loved communities and thriving holiday industry.”

Housing minister Stuart Andrew added that while sites such as Airbnb had helped boost tourism the government had to ensure they didn't "drive residents out" of their communities.

In reaction to the announcement, Airbnb said in a statement that it "looks forward to supporting the UK government’s review".

The company said: "The launch of a UK government review into short-term lets is an opportunity to secure clear and modern rules that unlock the benefits of hosting for everyday families and clamp down on speculators, while giving local authorities the information and tools they need to regulate home sharing effectively.

"Airbnb recognises the historic housing and tourism challenges facing the UK and we want our platform to be part of the solution.

“We welcome regulation and have led the way in championing progressive rules for our industry."

To take part in the call for evidence visit the government website.

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