In Barbados, online renters using platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo launch a petition to Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley and Tourism Minister Ian Gooding-Edghill regarding a new legislation. Krystal Hoyte Has More. teleSUR
00:00Moving on to other information in Barbados, online renters using platforms like Airbnb, VRBO,
00:06launched a petition to Prime Minister Mia Moore Motley and Tourism Minister Ian Gooding Ed Hill regarding a new legislation.
00:15Crystal Hoyer has more.
00:17Tourism Accommodation Bill 2025, which recently passed in Parliament and is now before the Senate here in Barbados,
00:24is facing growing opposition from stateholders in the short-term rental sector.
00:30Industry players have launched an online petition warning that the bill in its current form could force the closure of many of the 6,000 small and micro short-term rental properties,
00:42potentially resulting in a revenue loss exceeding $300 million.
00:48Minister of Tourism and International Transport Ian Gooding Ed Hill has outlined the key provisions of the bill.
00:54Which seeks to introduce regulatory standards for accommodation providers.
00:59If persons are going to be offering vacation rental accommodation, that is absolutely necessary that they license.
01:08So, this section makes it an offense to operate advertised short-term rental accommodation without being registered, inspected, and licensed.
01:22And, Mr. Speaker, when we look at it, clause 4-3 of the bill, it makes it clear that if a person contravenes this process,
01:34that the person is guilty of an offense and liable on conviction, a summary conviction to a fine of $250,000.
01:43However, owners and operators of small short-term rentals argue that while they support the introduction of standards,
01:52the bill fails to address the industry's most urgent challenges and risks disproportionately affecting smaller operators.
01:59Some have criticized the bill for requiring accessibility features in all buildings,
02:04noting that even government facilities have yet to meet such standards.
02:08All tourist accommodation must be universally accessible for the benefit of the disabled community.
02:20Now, Mr. Speaker, this is very important.
02:23And that is why we've made provision at clause 15 within the bill, 15-1,
02:29which says that tourist accommodation which is built or renovated after the commencement of this act
02:35shall be universally accessible for the benefit of persons with disabilities
02:41in accordance with the prescribed requirements.
02:45Existing operators would have five years to become compliant or apply for exemptions.
02:50The bill is scheduled to be debated in the Senate on Wednesday, September 24th.
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