EDITOR, The Tribune.
Stop!
I understand the government needs revenue, but it must stop for a moment to get a clear understanding of the vacation rental industry.
The industry regulates and polices itself through a very sophisticated global software programme that invites guests to review the property they stay in.
Consistent good ratings mean bookings. Poor ratings mean no-one will book. There’s no one to pay off to get licensed and so no possibility of corruption.
Unlike the hotels, the money stays at home as far as Bahamian owned rentals are concerned. Cleaners, gardeners, maintenance workers, cooks, car rentals, taxis, super markets, art and craft stores, liquor stores and local restaurants benefit from vacation rentals.
The typical Airbnb guest wants an affordable, authentic vacation and will not stay in a hotel. They are keen to patronize local vendors and local excursions as opposed to holing up in an artificial hotel environment.
The typical Airbnb host does not intrude on his or her guests, but makes it clear they are available should the guest need help with anything or if the guest just wants to have a chat over a nice piece of guava duff or rum cake!
In doing so, most guests forge a fantastic connection with the Bahamas and become ambassadors for the country, recommending the Bahamas as a holiday place and even returning themselves.
The biggest DANGER to the Airbnb industry is CRIME.
A number of guests have been followed to vacation rentals in respectable areas and robbed at gun point, although these incidents don’t seem to make the papers.
These incidents are then reported in the reviews which rate a property. Presto, no-one will book that property anymore and a small, but important source of revenue for the property owner and those people who work with the owner to deliver a superior product has disappeared.
Before taxing and introducing the nightmare of bureaucracy to this Mom and Pop industry, the government must deal with the vexing crime problem.
M. JOHNSON
Nassau,
August 22, 2017.
Comments
OldFort2012 7 years, 4 months ago
You don't get it Mr. Johnson. It is precisely BECAUSE there is no one to pay off and no possibility of corruption that they have to bring in legislation to make it not only possible, but mandatory. You not from around here, are you?
ThisIsOurs 7 years, 4 months ago
Don't worry, homeowners will opt for a less painful platform soon enough. Funny, one of the first things they do is tax something that's working in spite of them...and then say they're leveling the playing fields for the big resorts....can't make it up...
watcher 7 years, 4 months ago
I might add that in the Bahamas, government never understands that a self-regulating, profitable business can do very well all on its own. They feel that they must interfere. And let's not forget that the unions absolutely HATE the idea of a well run industry that they cannot make unnecessary demands on - minimum wages for gardeners, bed making fees for maids, mandatory lifeguards at all swimming pools, compulsory tipping etc etc etbloodycetera.
It seems that they'd rather not have a niche market that runs itself, because government must interfere with every facet of our lives
Honestman 7 years, 4 months ago
This is an ill conceived idea. Surprised at the FNM pushing this.
MonkeeDoo 7 years, 4 months ago
It had to be a PLP legacy Honestman. Just thirty days after winning D'Aguilar was signing an MOU with Airbnb. The people wanted a Freedom of Information Act but this came first.
themessenger 7 years, 4 months ago
This shouldn't come a s surprise to anyone knowing how governments work, especially ours. If it isn't broken, break it!!!
MonkeeDoo 7 years, 4 months ago
Vacation home renters are all over Nassau and I am sure the out islands too. When you hear people talking and you don't understand what they are saying its a good bet its a European visitor. The Hotel Guests by contrast are encouraged NOT to leave the properties and most don't. Even a lot of cruise passengers don't get off the ships anymore. These people probably spread more money around the country ( including VAT ) than most tourists.
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