Chile: Chilean hotel industry takes on Airbnb

Chilean hotel operators and tourism companies have raised their voce against unregulated, online room-booking platforms, namely Airbnb and Niumba, who they accuse of engaging in unfair competition and violating basic legal norms.

The Federation of Tourism Companies of Chile and Hoteliers of Chile has published a letter, demanding authorities to regulate the informal offering of temporary tourist housing as soon as possible, “demanding that those who hire out private rooms have to comply with the same conditions expected of hotels, hostels, camping sites and other kinds of tourist lodging.”

Chile’s hoteliers spoke of Chile’s strong tourist industry, which employs over 150,000 people – jobs “now at risk”. They also chided the Government, for failing to collect ‘billions of pesos” in taxes because of platforms such as Airbnb and others “which also pose a danger to the reputation of Chile’s tourist destinations.”

The federation has asked that private individuals who offer their rooms through these platforms must comply with a clear registry, regular safety and sanitary inspections, permits for commercial activity, and that they should pay taxes for the income obtained from housing guests.

Full Content: El País

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