New survey to explore the plight of Byron’s approved accommodation providers

Paul Bibby

Byron Council and Southern Cross University (SCU) have launched a survey to better understand the impacts of Airbnb on Byron’s approved accommodation providers (AAPs).

For some time the approved providers, such as guest houses and traditional bed and breakfasts have stated that they are struggling to meet the higher insurance costs and council rates associated with running a legitimate tourism business.

The project seeks to understand current practice to better support specific and locally-informed development planning and policy-making in light of the NSW Government’s proposed new regulatory framework for short-term holiday letting.

‘The Byron Shire Council is seeking reliable, and evidence-based information on the current experiences of the Shire’s AAPs as a result of the growth of short term operators,’ said Dr Sabine Muschter from the School of Business and Tourism at SCU.

‘This research will provide an opportunity for traditional accommodation providers to have their say about the impacts that increasing numbers of short-term holiday rentals are having on their business operations.’

‘On the one hand, an approved accommodation provider faces a high level of regulation and pays high commercial tax, council rates, and levies. On the other, a neighbouring Airbnb is offering a similar bed for tourists but has not been required to comply with any regulations, not even fire and safety, nor do they pay commercial tax or commercial council rates.

‘This imbalance is perceived by AAPs as grossly unfair and it creates anger and frustration among the traditional providers in the shire.’

The survey, which is exclusively for AAPs, is available here and will close at midnight on December 5.