The government’s adoption of committee recommendations over accommodation services like Airbnb could benefit tourism in the Illawarra, according to a regional body.
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This week a NSW parliamentary committee looking into the adequacy of the regulation of short-term holiday letting in the state released its report.
The committee recommended amending the state’s planning laws to “include a definition of short-term rental accommodation”.
This is to ensure uniformity in the approach to operations like Airbnb across all council areas.
“The current arrangements are fragmented and confusing,” the report’s chair MP Mark Coure said.
“In our view, short-term rental accommodation should be defined and permitted in NSW.”
It also recommended a “compliance system” to deal with times “when STRA is managed badly, or when rogue operators take advantage of their neighbours”.
The report also praised the efforts of Shoalhaven City Council in amending their plans to allow for STRA.
Illawarra Business Chamber executive director Chris Lamont supported the proposed changes and suggested they could help the region’s tourism operators capitalise on the so-called sharing economy.
“If supported the framework would provide an opportunity to help grow and diversify regional tourism and provide visitors with a unique experience in the homes of local residents through short-term hosting platforms,” IBC Executive Director, Chris Lamont said.
“Hosting platforms such as Airbnb can help where there is a lack of supply to meet the demand challenges faced during peak holiday periods, events and festivals.
“Research indicates that the sharing economy introduced new people to travelling and new visitors to the region will look to spend their money on an array of different experiences and activities.”
However, Mr Lamont said the sharing economy should not be the focus of accommodation offerings in the region, with a range of different options still required.
“The Illawarra’s proximity to Sydney makes it a perfect spot for domestic and international tourists, providing an ideal destination to enjoy a genuine Australian experience,” Mr Lamont said.