Government on Tuesday moved to bring Airbnb, Vrbo and other short-term rentals under strict regulation, with operators facing fines of up to $250 000 if they fail to register, be licensed and submit to inspections under new legislation debated in Parliament.
The Tourist Accommodation Bill, introduced in the House of Assembly, sets out a framework to license, classify and monitor all forms of tourist accommodation. It extends licences from one to two years, introduces universal accessibility requirements for new facilities, and gives existing operators five years to comply or apply for exemptions.
Minister of Tourism Ian Gooding-Edghill said the legislation was essential to protect Barbados’s tourism product and ensure safety and consistency in the sector.
“We are uniquely aware that across the globe, there are standards that must be met, standards that must be adjusted, policies that must be revised in order and laws that are necessary to regulate the tourism sector,” he told MPs.
“The bill, as it states, provides for the licensing, classification, designation, and registration of tourist accommodation, the establishment of minimum standards for tourist accommodation, and the inspection and monitoring of tourist accommodation to ensure compliance with the minimum standards.”
The minister noted that the growth of platforms such as Airbnb, Vrbo, Homestay and others had reshaped the accommodation landscape, making regulation unavoidable.
He said: “We have moved from the traditional hotel guest house and apartment, to now what people refer to as Airbnb, Virgo, Homestay, Homeaway, Mybookings.com…. You list them and we are now faced with reality, that if persons are going to be offering vacation rental accommodation, that is absolutely necessary that they license.”
Under the bill, operators cannot advertise or run short-term rental properties without being registered, inspected and licensed.
“This section makes it an offence to operate, advertise short-term rental accommodation without being registered, inspected, and licensed,” Gooding-Edghill stressed. “When we look at it, clause 4:3 of the bill, it makes it clear that if a person contravenes this process, that the person is guilty of an offence and liable on conviction, a summary conviction, to a fine of $250 000.”
While acknowledging concerns about the size of the fine, the minister insisted the measure was necessary to protect Barbados’s global reputation.
He said: “Even though one may want to argue that a fine is significant, we also have to ensure and remind the country as a whole, that due to Barbados’s credible tourism performance and the fact that the Barbados brand remains so strong globally, we have to ensure that we protect the Barbados brand and therefore we must never allow violations of health and safety.
“Violations of such a nature that could cause Barbados’ tourism product to be compromised, and that is what we’re seeking to do here.” (SB)
Tourist Accommodation Bill highlights
– All operators of tourist accommodation, including Airbnb-style rentals, must be licensed, registered and inspected
– Licences extended from one year to two years
– New tourist facilities must meet universal accessibility standards
– Existing operators given five years to comply or apply for exemptions
– Advertising or operating unlicensed short-term rentals will be an offence
– Maximum penalty: fines up to $250 000
– Aimed at protecting safety standards and safeguarding Barbados’ tourism brand
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