Barbados is moving to bring Airbnb, Vrbo, Homestay, and other short-term rental platforms under tighter regulation, following the introduction of the Tourist Accommodation Bill in Parliament on Tuesday.
The new legislation sets out a comprehensive framework for licensing, registering, classifying, and monitoring all tourist accommodation across the island. Under the bill, operators who fail to comply could face fines of up to $250,000.
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Minister of Tourism Ian Gooding-Edghill said the changes are critical to safeguarding Barbados’s global tourism reputation and ensuring consistent health and safety standards.
“We have moved beyond the traditional hotel and guesthouse model. With platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo reshaping the accommodation landscape, it is absolutely necessary that these properties are licensed and regulated,” he told MPs.
Key Provisions of the Bill
- Licensing and Registration: All tourist accommodations, including short-term rentals, must be licensed, registered, and inspected.
- Licence Periods: Licences extended from one year to two years.
- Accessibility Standards: New tourist facilities must meet universal accessibility requirements.
- Transition Period: Existing operators have five years to comply or apply for exemptions.
- Penalties: Advertising or operating unlicensed short-term rentals is an offence, carrying fines of up to $250,000.
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While acknowledging that the fines may appear steep, Gooding-Edghill stressed they are necessary to protect the island’s strong tourism brand. “We must never allow violations of health and safety that could compromise Barbados’s product,” he said.
The legislation, once enacted, will apply across the board, ensuring that both traditional hotels and new forms of accommodation meet minimum standards and provide visitors with a safe, reliable experience.
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