Barcelona, September 26, 2014
Press Release
New Quality Stamp for Short-Term Rentals
Today the European and the Spanish Associations representing short-term rental accommodations, has announced a new Quality Stamp, following a conference in Barcelona with all major companies and trade associations in Europe represented. The Quality Stamp will be sent for consultation among the short-term rental companies in Europe before launching it next year if approved.
The business is in talks with local town halls wanting to regulate short-term stays in major cities like Barcelona, Berlin or Paris while other places like London, Stockholm or in Scotland local authorities work on deregulating and promoting the rental industry to create more tourism.
In the last two years 45 million Europeans have stayed in a short-term rental accommodation. The 20 million beds in the industry is the absolute largest capacity of beds in Europe, almost twice that of hotels. Creating a yearly turnover of 80 billion euros short-term rental accommodation creates a basis for companies, towns and local communities.
To impose self-regulation and raise the credibility of the short-term rental industry the new Quality Stamp will provide a guarantee of the company or property owner, transparency and in the long run a code of conduct as well as a European Complaints Board for Customers.
Also participating at the conference in Barcelona yesterday was Director of Tourism in Catalonia Marian Muro and Director of Tourism in the city of Barcelona Jordi Williams Carnes who met support and attendance to the issues in Barcelona from business all over Europe.
The president of the Spanish short-term rental association, FEVITUR, Pablo Zubicaray is confident about the dialog with authorities: “We are facing challenges but we can find solutions through dialog and acknowledgment of our industry’s contribution to society“.
In Europe the business is working together. “Short-term rentals cannot be stopped because the consumers wants it. But through high European standards and good regulation, we will be able to realize the full potential of millions of travelers, creating millions of jobs,” says Carlos Villaro Lassen, Secretary General of the EHHA.
Further info:
European Holiday Home Association, EHHA, Secretary General Carlos Villaro Lassen, +45 31101090.