Restrictive proposals on short-term rental accommodation, say your say
| The Minister of Tourism is reviewing the policy that guides tourism in South Africa and published the Draft Green Paper on the Development and Promotion of Tourism in South Africa, a discussion document with preliminary proposals for reforming the tourism industry. The Draft Green Paper (the first stage of policy development) proposes “a differentiated system for the regulation of Short-Term Rental accommodation” over which Airbnb and others have raised concerns – affecting hosts and guests. CONCERNS AFFECTING HOSTS, GUESTS AND TOURISM IN GENERAL; The Green Paper proposes that “thresholds” are imposed on STRs (which could mean “night caps” – a limitation on the number of nights that a host can list their accommodation). Concerns about the systems the Tourism Department is looking at as examples for the approach South Africa should follow. These examples include onerous registration systems which require inspections and pre-approval before a Host can begin operating. The Green Paper limits marketing stating that listing on platforms such as Airbnb creates a potential increase in cost of doing business for “regulated accommodation entities”, due to listing on multiple booking platforms incurring unregulated commission costs. The deadline to comment on the Green Paper (October 31, 2023) is rapidly approaching. NOW would be a good time for YOU to have a say! Do you support the Green Paper as proposed? Please take a minute to have a say at this link or the green button below, right away https://dearsouthafrica.co.za/tourism-green-paper/ (Additional information, documents and explanatory videos are available on the participation pages). Note that your comment is immediately delivered to parliament (you will receive confirmation). I will also personally present a full report to parliament, along with all the public comments and suggestions. Rest assured Linda, your voice will be heard. Closes 31 October 2023. |
