Penang announces rental crackdown with immediate effect
Malaysia: The Penang State Government has announced that it is cracking down on short-term rentals on the island with immediate effect, three months after introducing a partial ban on rental operations.
Malaysia consults on potential nationwide regulations
Malaysia: Malaysia could become the first country in Southeast Asia to implement nationwide restrictions on Airbnb and other short-term rental platforms.
Airbnb responds to criticism from business mogel Heinecke
Asia: Airbnb has responded to a letter to the Minister of the Interior Bangkok by hotel and business mogel, Bill Heinecke, in which he castigated the short-term rental platform’s stance as “irresponsible” following its partnership with Thailand’s government. Airbnb first partnered with the Thai government in July 2018 to boost overall hospitality standards in the […]
Airbnb partners with TAT and launches Beyond Big Cities
Thailand: Airbnb has announced a collaboration deal with the Tourism Authority of Thailand [ TAT ] and launched a joint website called Beyond Big Cities. The site will leverage Airbnb’s digital technology expertise to drive domestic and international travel to niche, less-visited destinations throughout Thailand, which will support local community-led tourism. Airbnb head of public […]
Short-term rentals to remain illegal in Singapore
Singapore: The Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) has announced short-term rental platform listings will remain illegal in Singapore after almost four years of discussions. Travellers staying at private residential properties in the country will still be required to stay for a minimum of three months. The URA said it would not proceed with applying regulations due […]
Possible rental caps “would hinder tourism growth in Malaysia”
Malaysia: Airbnb has said that any cap on short-term accommodation in Malaysia would hinder tourism growth in the country. The company’s head of public policy for South East Asia, Mich Goh, said a regulatory approach in such a mould would only serve to deter tourists and limit travel innovation. Goh told Star2.com: “The most important […]
Airbnb in talks to tax tourists in fastest-growing SE Asia market of Malaysia
Malaysia: Airbnb has revealed it is in talks with local authorities and ministries in Malaysia to collect tourism tax on behalf of its hosts and guests in the country. Airbnb head of public policy of Southeast Asia Mich Goh said in a media briefing that the company had had “meaningful conversations” with the finance and […]