Elected PS/Madeira MEP Sérgio Gonçalves recently met with representatives of Airbnb to articulate issues related to the tourism and local accommodation sector, with talks directly relating to the regulation of short-term rentals.
This regulation, approved in the previous mandate, aims to strengthen the transparency of short-term rentals by introducing harmonised registration obligations for hosts and their properties, in order to improve the quality of service for consumers and at the same time help public authorities regulate this growing part of the tourism sector.
At this meeting, Sérgio Gonçalves underlined the importance of “ensuring that the increase in tourism does not compromise the well-being of the populations,” an appeal that Airbnb representatives took advantage of to present examples of technologies used to reduce pressure on the main tourist attractions and disperse the offer of local accommodation across different regions.
The Member of the European Parliament also focused on the issue of housing, highlighting the need to promote a tourism model that does not negatively impact the population’s access to decent and affordable housing.
Airbnb is a short- and long-term accommodation company founded in 2008, with more than 7 million accommodations listed on its digital platform. In Portugal, local accommodation exceeded 47 million tourist overnight stays in 2023, which represents 42% of the total.
Also at this meeting, the importance of involving all actors in the sector in the defence of a sustainable tourism model was discussed, to ensure quality of life for local citizens and offer the best possible experience to tourists.
Samantha Gannon
info at madeira-weekly.com
