Tasmania leads the way for home sharing Down Under

Airbnb’s Sam McDonagh … in the background is Tassie Premier Will Hodgman …

HOBART – Today, Tasmanian Premier, Will Hodgman announced Airbnb hosts will be given the green light to open their homes to the world without unnecessary red tape. The Premier said deregulating the sector would mean Tasmania’s vital visitor economy is able to support continued growth by providing choice for consumers and clarity for businesses and homeowners.

Airbnb’s Country Manager, Sam McDonagh welcomed the news and encouraged state governments across Australia to take similar steps to introduce rules that allow more people to share their extra space. Airbnb’s official statement is included below for immediate release.

Official statement attributable to Sam McDonagh, Airbnb Australia Country Manager …

“This is great news for the thousands of everyday Tasmanians making a little extra income opening their homes to travellers from around the world, and it’s wonderful for Tasmania’s tourism economy.

“These regulations are clear, simple and easy to understand.

“We congratulate Premier Hodgman and the Tasmanian Government for embracing home sharing across the state, and look forward to promoting Tasmania as a model for other cities and states around the world.

“For a lot of Tasmanians, the opportunity to list their home on Airbnb – for an average of $6,900 per year – makes a real difference paying off the mortgage, electricity bills and other daily expenses. Others list their home to pay for their own holiday away with the family once or twice a year.

“The vast majority of Tasmanian listings are outside traditional hotel districts, so our guests live like a local, spending money at cafes, shops and restaurants not normally visited by tourists. This is an opportunity to help grow and diversify tourism and to provide visitors to Tasmania with a unique travel experience in the homes of locals.

“As home sharing flourishes in Tasmania, we hope other state governments take similar steps to encourage and introduce rules that allow more people to share their extra space.”
Airbnb