HOTREC Calls for Introduction of Obligations for Short-Term Rentals and Hosts in EU

Such a call has been made in order for the authorities to be able to have a clear view of the short-term rental activities, AtoZSerwisPlus.com reports.

According to Greek Travel Pages, HOTREC provided recommendations on how the EU regulation could impose effective rules to support the establishment of a level playing in the industry.

Director General of HOTREC, Marie Audren, said that the EU tourism and hospitality sector needs to introduce a regulation that would deliver solutions to challenges that are posed by short-term rental services.

In addition, Audren emphasised that updating these rules in line with the needs of stakeholders, destinations, as well as residents will help the EU countries to secure a better environment.

“This is an encouraging time for European tourism and hospitality to welcome an EU Regulation that could provide common solutions to the challenges posed by Short-Term Rental services. Updating this set of rules in line with the needs of stakeholders, destinations, and residents is the first step to securing a fair, transparent, competitive and sustainable environment,” the statement of Audren reads.

HOTREC believes that any EU Regulatory Initiative on the short-term rental industry should be guided by four main objectives.

According to HOTREC, the EU should introduce a robust and efficient EU-wide registration system that support oversight by public authorities, aligns with data held by platforms, and facilitates compliance by hosts.

Moreover, it has been recommended that the EU outlines clear and comprehensive data-sharing requirements and gives the municipalities flexibility in fixing market access rules while clarifying how these rules comply with the requirements of the Services Directive.

In addition to the above-mentioned, HOTREC recommends the EU support collection of due taxes by sharing relevant data with national fiscal authorities and to ensure the safety and security of guests and employees by applying comparable standards.

“One thing is for sure: when it comes to STRs, a level playing field can only be achieved by awarding regulated accommodation more flexibility and lesser regulatory burden,” Chair of the HOTREC Short-Term Rentals working group, Ramón Estalella, stated.

Previously, AtoZSerwisPlus.com reported that Estonia’s taxation on short-term rentals and France’s long-term community investment were applauded by WTTC. The latter said that the tax agreement of Estonia with Airbnb shows how simplifying the collections of income tax for hosts can be a win-win. As for France, it said that residents could benefit from extra income.