<\/p>\n
The President of the Ghana Hotels Association (GHA), Dr Edward Ackah-Nyamike Jnr., has called for a proper regulatory framework to govern the Airbnb sector to ensure fair competition.<\/p>\n
According to him, the lack of regulation in that sector has made it increasingly difficult for the traditional hospitality industry to remain competitive.<\/p>\n
Airbnb is a global online platform that connects travelers with hosts offering short-term rental accommodations, acting as a marketplace for peer-to-peer home sharing.<\/p>\n
\u201cDo they pay Value Added Tax? Do they pay the NHIL? Do they pay the GETFund levy? Do they pay the COVID-19 levy?\u201d he asked. \u201cIf they\u2019re not paying all these, then they are creating an unfair environment,\u201d he was quoted as saying by myjoyonline.com.<\/p>\n
Dr Ackah-Nyamike explained that without paying these taxes, Airbnb operators are able to offer cheaper rates than traditional hotels.<\/p>\n
\u201cIn their cost build-up and in setting their rates, they\u2019re not factoring in some of these obligations. But we do!\u201d he noted. <\/p>\n
\u201cAnd then people turn around and say hotels are expensive, while Airbnb offers cheaper accommodation,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n
He emphasised that \u201cregulation is not just about the Ghana Hotels Association. It concerns every authority mandated to regulate the accommodation sector. So, if Airbnb is operating in this space, they should also be subject to the same scrutiny.\u201d<\/p>\n
SSD\/MA<\/p>\n
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