Talking Point: Airbnb hosts sign up to new Tasmanian rules

DEREK NOLAN: Airbnb is helping to grow Tasmanian tourism and boost jobs

TOURISM AND JOBS: We’re confident data collected by Tasmanian Government will reinforce the fact that short-term rentals are making a big contribution while representing a tiny fraction of the housing market.

It’s easy to take for granted the fact that almost every mainlander you speak to has either recently visited Tasmania, or is planning to in the next six months. After all, the state is world-renowned for its incredible food and beverage scene, amazing cultural attractions and picturesque scenery.

But it wasn’t all that long ago that what would become the jewel of Australia had yet to climb to the top of everyone’s destination wishlist. The rise in tourism over the years has turbocharged Tasmania’s economic engine and generated countless jobs for locals.

This growth story, however, has not been without its challenges, foremost of which, as the Mercury has previously pointed out, is the lack of hotel beds to accommodate the surge in tourism.

Airbnb is proud to work with the Tasmanian Government to help drive tourism growth and support local jobs, especially in periods of high demand such as Taste of Tasmania. But we also recognise the importance of getting the balance right between growing jobs and ensuring there is a robust compliance framework in place. New rules in Tasmania are achieving this. Airbnb hosts overwhelmingly embraced the new compliance process. More than 90 per cent of Airbnb business in Tasmania complied with the state’s new rules by early December to ensure it remains on the platform.

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It’s also true that a small percentage of hosts did not meet the compliance deadline, however, of the listings that were removed, the vast majority, about two-thirds, recorded just two or fewer bookings over the past 12 months.

Additionally, about two-thirds of our hosts have so far claimed an exemption, meaning they are using their primary residence for hosting or their local council has historically granted approval for them to run visitor accommodation, such as a bed and breakfast.

We’re proud to say that the overwhelming majority of Airbnb hosts ensured they were compliant as early as possible and the information they’ve provided as part of these fair and sensible regulations will also help inform the ongoing conversation on housing affordability in Tasmania.

We’re confident that the final data collected by the Tasmanian Government will reinforce the fact that short-term rentals are making a significant contribution to Tasmania’s economy while representing just a tiny fraction of the housing market. This information will better equip the state to examine the housing affordability issue and its myriad and complex contributing factors.

These include Tasmania experiencing its most significant population boom in 30 years, one that added more than 6000 people in a single year.

That’s coupled with the fact that not enough houses are being built. As the Mercury has noted, Tasmania needs a consistent supply pipeline, which would help boost housing stock and ease cost pressures.

Airbnb remains focused on working with the Tasmanian Government to ensure tourism continues to grow, along with local jobs.

As part of this, we’ll keep doing our part to support the fair and sensible rules that have been put in place to not only unlock Tasmania’s economic potential, but also ensure compliance and a more fully informed conversation about housing affordability.

Derek Nolan is Airbnb’s Head of Public Policy for Australia.