eu travel tech Welcomes European Commission’s Proposal on Short-Term Rentals
eu travel tech welcomes the European Commission’s long-awaited proposal on short-term rentals (STRs), aimed at enhancing the transparency of this growing market and at bringing much needed clarity around the responsibilities of hosts, public authorities and online platforms in providing, collecting and exchanging STRs data.
STRs have become increasingly popular in Europe, meeting a growing demand by travellers for alternative accommodation solutions. The growth of STRs in recent years has, however, given rise to some challenges, especially in bigger cities, including putting pressure on housing availability and affordability.
“The proposal for a new legislative framework on STRs provides a solid basis for ensuring a fruitful collaboration between online platforms and public authorities to better understand and manage the growing STR phenomenon across Europe,” said Emmanuel Mounier, eu travel tech Secretary General.
eu travel tech welcomes, in particular, the introduction of swift and harmonised registration procedures, which are essential to ensure that the rules around illegal STR listings can be effectively enforced by online platforms. The establishment of the appropriate technical infrastructure (or “Single Digital Entry Point”) by Member States will be equally important for the implementation of such procedures and for the exchange of information between platforms and public authorities.
“STRs contribute to a diverse tourism ecosystem but this should not come at the expenses of local communities. We welcome the new rules as they will help Member States better calibrate local rules and regulations to address the challenges brought by STRs while avoiding putting excessive burden on hosts and online platforms,” continued Emmanuel Mounier.
