Relevant stakeholders have expressed a desire for the smooth integration of thousands of tourist accommodations which are offered to the public via the Internet. With the number of homes being rented out through specialized websites growing rapidly, the need to be able to control these accommodations, as well as to tackle unfair competition in this sector, is at the forefront of the debate.
Recognizing that the increase in room rentals plays an important role in the increase of the number of visitors to Limassol, stakeholders are emphasizing that accommodation rentals via AirBnB should not be demonized, but rather, a framework needs to be created in order for them to function in a controlled environment. As Limassol Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Tourism Vice President Anthi Theocharous explains, the unfair competition created against businesses operating with licensed accommodations (hotels, agrotourism units, etc) is a serious extension of the spread of this phenomenon.
She explained that the legislation that was recently submitted to the relevant committee of the House of Representatives regarding the registration of premises and payment of taxes on the basis of the legislation, is a positive step towards solving the problem.
On his side, the President of the Limassol Tourism Board, Tony Antoniou, pointed out that the creation of new establishments for hosting visitors could have a positive impact on tourism development. He stressed, however, that it is imperative that all accommodation is registered, so as to ensure that all safety checks have been made, guaranteeing a safe stay for visitors, and all appropriate permits have been granted.
By the end of September, the debate over the new legislation for the rental of homes and villas as tourist accommodation is expected to reach its conclusion. The bill will then be brought to the House of Representatives, as will the set of rules concerning tourist accommodations. This legislation will complement the existing provisions on the rental of apartments (which were originally built for residential use) for the same purpose.
