With the increased regulation of short-term rental accommodation (STRA), hosted bed and breakfast operators are concerned about potential business harm. As councils around the country are looking to regulate STRA, B&B owners may experience more struggles even after the tough last few years.
The Bed & Breakfast Association New Zealand represents and promotes home-hosted bed and breakfast stays across the country – this includes farm stays, homestays, boutique, heritage and luxury accommodations. The B&B sector attracts high-value visitors that Stuart Nash, Tourism Minister, has stated he wants for Aotearoa, New Zealand.
However, Bed & Breakfast Association President, Donna Brooke, said Association members should not be confused with Airbnb operators.
“B&B owners host visitors in their homes, often sharing their personal spaces with their guests as they host them around the breakfast table. We offer a genuine Kiwi hospitality experience that is often the only opportunity for international guests to chat to a local.”
Councils move to regulate short-term rental accommodation due to concerns that they are contributing to rental housing shortages; this includes ensuring that STRAs are meeting quality and safety standards.
Brooke claimed the B&B sector prides itself on its quality of service, which is reflected in the shining reviews on its online platforms. With home-hosted accommodation being an essential part of New Zealand’s tourism industry, Brooke emphasised that B&Bs are not a part of the rental housing shortages.
“The B&B Association works with its members to get every angle property Quality Assessed and has a rigorous assessment programme of its own. All current health and safety protocols are followed by our members, who must comply with council regulations covering the number of guests they can accommodate, and food safety rules.”
As councils try to gain more control over non-hosted accommodation providers, Brooke said their Association calls on local boards to ensure they don’t accidentally harm the high-quality B&Bs within New Zealand’s communities.
