B&B operators at risk from “inadvertent” council harm
Calls for new regulations not to confuse home-hosted B&B with Airbnb operators
The Bed & Breakfast Association New Zealand (B&BNZ) has voiced its concern that moves by regional councils to increase regulation of short-term rental accommodation (STRA) could seriously impact its members’ businesses.
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The B&BNZ’s comments follow steps by councils who want to ensure STRA properties are meeting quality and safety standards, and potentially, paying commercial rates amid concerns they are contributing to rental housing shortages.
B&BNZ President, Donna Brooke, said the association’s members, who represent and promote home-hosted bed and breakfasts throughout the country, including homestays, farmstays, boutique, heritage and luxury accommodation, should not be confused with Airbnb operators.
“B&B owners host visitors in their homes, often sharing their personal spaces with guests as they host them around the breakfast table,” she said.
“We offer a genuine, Kiwi hospitality experience that is often the only opportunity for international guests to chat to a local.”
The hosted B&B sector, she said, attracts the high value visitors that Tourism Minister, Stuart Nash has said he wants for an Aotearoa New Zealand tourism industry still in post-pandemic recovery mode.
“The confusion over Airbnb is frustrating for professionally run B&Bs,” Ms Brooke said.
“Airbnb does not represent our hosted accommodation sector. Airbnb is a booking platform, like many other examples of booking platforms out there.
“Hosted B&Bs are not contributing to the rental accommodation shortage. B&BNZ works with its members to get every single property Quality Assessed and has a rigorous assessment program of its own.
“All current health and safety protocols are followed by our members, who must comply with council regulations covering the number of guests they can accommodate, and food safety rules.”
The B&B sector, she said, prides itself on the quality of service it offers, and this is reflected in the glowing reviews many of member B&Bs receive.
“Home-hosted accommodation is an important part of our tourism industry,” she said.
“In their efforts to exert more control over non-hosted accommodation providers, we are calling on councils to ensure they don’t inadvertently harm the many high-quality B&Bs that are attracting valued visitors to their communities.”
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