KUALA LUMPUR (Sept 22): Online marketplace for vacation rentals and tourism activities Airbnb is calling on the government to establish a clear and practical national regulatory framework for short-term rental accommodation (STRA), as part of its Budget 2023 wishlist released on Thursday (Sept 22).

In a statement, its head of public policy for Southeast Asia, India, Hong Kong and Taiwan Mich Goh said that introducing a clear STRA regulatory framework would drive the next level of growth for the sector, and recognises local micro tourism entrepreneurs and the broader industry as key contributors to the country’s economy.

“As a partner to the Malaysian Government, Airbnb is committed to continue working hand in hand to rejuvenate the tourism industry by driving domestic travel and positioning Malaysia as an attractive digital nomad hub in the region.

“We will continue to execute on our strategic partnership with the Malaysian Green Technology and Climate Change Corporation to further the country’s green agenda, and support our local host community and short-term rental accommodation partners,” said Goh in the statement.

Besides calling for a clear STRA regulatory framework, Airbnb also calls on the government to include its hosts in key incentives provided to traditional tourism players. The company requests that several key incentives, which are currently only dedicated to traditional players in the tourism sector, to be extended to STRA hosts, both individuals, and small and medium entrepreneurs.

Airbnb also calls on the government to introduce green incentives for the tourism industry.

“The tourism industry plays a crucial role in supporting the government’s aspiration to achieve net-carbon neutrality by 2050. Airbnb encourages the government to introduce green incentives, such as special green practices among industry players and position Malaysia as an appealing ecotourism destination,” said Goh in the statement.

“We strongly hope that the initiatives tabled in Budget 2023 will benefit all tourism industry players — including our community of Malaysian hosts, many of whom are everyday Malaysians and micro-hospitality entrepreneurs.

“We stand ready as a committed partner to the government to create and implement solutions that support the travel and tourism economy, towards spurring greater revitalisation of the tourism industry,” she added.