Calls for better regulation of sharing economy tourism businesses such as Airbnb have been welcomed by Cumbria Tourism.

Trade association UKinbound has demanded that operators such as the online holiday property giant should be subject to the same regulation as other tourism businesses in a bid to protect the UK’s reputation as a world-class tourism destination.

A recent survey by the body, which focuses on attracting overseas visitors to the UK, found that more than half of respondents wanted a level playing field on regulation, while 71 per cent said it would give customers with more protection.

The call was welcomed by managing director of Cumbria Tourism, Gill Haigh.

“A lack of regulation around online platforms such as Airbnb is a significant concern both for Cumbria Tourism and the industry as a whole. 

“In particular, we need clearer rules to ensure that all premises comply with the same safety standards as hotels, guesthouses and B&Bs. That includes basic measures like smoke alarms, CO2 monitors and fire safety equipment.

“With a growing number of online platforms, it is essential that visitors have peace of mind. Our long-running Quality Cumbria scheme is one way we can help tourism businesses to distinguish themselves from residential properties offering short-term rentals – and to help visitors avoid confusion about basic safety standards.”

The research, undertaken by UKinbound and research company Qa backs recent calls made by the Tourism Alliance, who have been pushing the new minister for arts, heritage and tourism, Rebecca Pow MP, on the issue of ensuring the UK’s tourism products remain safe and legal.

In a letter to Ms Pow, signed by nine other tourism associations and businesses including UKinbound, they have called for an industry roundtable and discussion to determine the best way of ensuring regulatory compliance and the safety of consumers.
 
UKinbound chief executive Joss Croft, said: “The majority of sharing economy businesses have brought to market some fantastic new product and present an exciting new way to travel, but it’s only fair that all businesses in the UK tourism industry – including those in the sharing economy -  are regulated as appropriate so that customers rights and more importantly their safety are protected. 
 
“The global tourism industry is very competitive, and we need to continue giving international visitors a reason to choose the UK over other destinations. If our industry doesn’t operate on a level playing field, we can’t guarantee quality which will jeopardise the UK’s global reputation as a world-class tourism destination.”