Airbnb: 'We want the government of Panama to see us as an ally'

Airbnb: 'We want the government of Panama

 to see us as an ally'

The company Airbnb, which has a software platform dedicated to offering accommodation to individuals and tourists in 192 countries, including Panama, has been in the public arena at a time when the Panamanian tourism sector is going through a period of "skinny cows". 

The reason? The Panamanian Hotel Association (Apatel) does not hesitate to state that with the arrival of Airbnb to canal land, hotel occupancy has been affected. According to official figures, the year 2017 closed with a hotel occupancy of 47%; while hoteliers complain about the lack of controls before renting apartments for tourism purposes through the aforementioned electronic platform. 

Although there have been approaches between the government, the hoteliers and Airbnb, no specific points of agreement have yet been found that are beneficial for the parties. 

The Minister of Tourism, Gustavo Him, has said that "exploratory meetings" have been held and it has become clear that hoteliers reject the service offered by Airbnb because it does not pay taxes and because, having no regulation, it is "unfair competition " In Panama, Law 80 of November 8, 2012 is in effect, which in article 21 prohibits the rental of homes for less than 45 days to those who do not have a "public tourist accommodation" permit in the district of Panama.

The approaches between the government, hoteliers and Airbnb continue and it is expected that a new meeting will be held this March.

Photo by La Estrella