FINAL year law student at the University of Technology Jamaica, Kurt Patterson plans on establishing an association to represent local air bed and breakfast (Airbnb) operators by January.

Patterson is one of the growing number of Jamaicans using the international online marketplace and hospitality service, Airbnb, to earn foreign exchange. Today, Airbnb lists hundreds of bed and breakfast-type accommodation in private residences across the island for tourists visiting Jamaica who don’t wish to stay at traditional hotels — with prices ranging from US$18 to US$2,875 per night.

The young entrepreneur reckons that the establishment of Jamaica Airbnb Community Association will not only uphold the country’s reputation as a good tourist destination, but will also give a voice to operators seeking redress.

“While Airbnb provides insurance, we are not certain how much that insurance covers and what is applicable to us. A homeowner may have a situation where one of the guests damages the property and there is no mechanism in place to track the person. The only information you have is what you got from somebody online,” he told the Jamaica Observer.

“One would expect that a hotel, which is a larger entity, has greater means to manage their risks than a private man renting a space in his yard. But if you are not able to properly manage your risks, you are very exposed to damage — persons living without paying the rent and so on.”

Patterson also pointed to the need for a code of conduct for Airbnb operators, bringing greater order and standard to a product that has strong earning potential for Jamaicans as well as the Government from taxation.

“For instance, whenever I have a guest, I take information about health conditions, medications and emergency next of kin. But I don’t believe everybody collects that kind of data. Listing your accommodation is a big thing and I, like everybody, is looking for a way to improve and transform Jamaica, and we can get it done through tourism,” he reasoned.

http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/business-report/association-proposed-for-airbnb-operators_115219