EDITOR'S COMMENT
• After the news from Scotland that a motion to halt a short-term let licensing scheme had been denied, it is no surprise that the European Commission is pressing ahead with its own plans to restrict booking platforms in the sector and a conclusion to the matter is getting ever closer.
EU policymakers have given the green light to proposals that will regulate Airbnb, Booking.com, Expedia Group and TripAdvisor across its 27 member states, including the enforcement of an online registration procedure for STR properties, a streamlined data framework, and transparent data sharing and collection. This time, thanks to the input of industry advocates, the emphasis is on hosting rules that are simple to understand and implement and proportionate within EU law.
While associations such as the European Holiday Home Association [EHHA] are concerned about the sector being targeted by "discriminatory" regulations and scapegoated for wider housing shortage issues, there is a collective will to enact "smart" rules that benefit all parties and do not decimate a segment that contributes so much to global tourism economies. The hope is that the final ruling will inform proportionate legislative approaches in other markets worldwide, which can be decided by consistent dialogue and cross-party consultation.
Speaking on last week's round table webinar, Viktorija Molnar, acting secretary general of the EHHA, hinted that she expected the relevant EU institutions to pass the new regulations into law by December - 13 months after the European Commission first adopted the proposals. It will be interesting to read the exact wording of the law, and how it impacts other markets.
• The update arrives as we prepare to host our inaugural STRz Summit at Skyline London on Wednesday 18 October. Dr Amaryllis Verhoeven, head of unit, digital transformation of industry at the European Commission, will speak on 'Creating smarter regulation for everyone' alongside leaders from the UK & Ireland - get your tickets now at this link.
• Our next webinar [sponsored by Touch Stay] is on Tuesday 3 October on 'Customer lifetime value: how to increase revenue, shift orphan nights, pitch upsells' - sign up at no cost here.
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