Airbnb, homeharing units must get permits
THE CITY Tourism Operations Office (CTOO) has reminded owners of housing or condominium units that are listed on airbnb or other homesharing apps to get the necessary permits from the city.
“Under the tourism code, they are required to get the necessary permits and licenses, these are under the self-styled accommodations, these include Airbnb and other home sharing apps,” Tecson said.
She said the CTOO will be conducting inspections on these accommodations. Just recently the CTOO and the Business Bureau team dropped by at the Learn AirBNB workshop where the unit owners were reminded of their lawful obligations.
Tecson bared that they receive some opposition from condominium association over the move. She cited one condominium where owners are angry over the legal requirement.
“The reason is they do not want to get business permits,” the city tourism chief said.
During the meeting last year with heads of owners association and property managers they had voiced their opposition to the provisions of the ordinance.
“They can’t do anything about it since it is already in the code,” Tecson said.
She said the requirements of the tourism code on self-styled accommodations are meant to ensure the safety and well-being of visitors and also to correctly monitor actual tourist arrivals in the city, many of which are unreported since they are booked through home sharing apps like Airbnb, Agoda Homes. (PIA XI/RG Alama)