Fáilte Ireland say they are ready to go on a register of short term rental properties to include AirBnB and Vrbo lets for the first time as soon as legislation is in place.
Fergal O’Leary of Fáilte Ireland told last week’s annual conference of the Irish Self Catering Federation that the number of properties registered with the tourism authority could rise from 6,000 to 35,000 under the scheme, to come into operation by next summer.
He said that currently, there are approximately 34,000 self-catering or short-term rental properties being advertised to tourists in Ireland of which 77pc of the properties offer an entire house or apartment, while 23pc provide a private room within a house. The average stay in these accommodations is three nights.
Around 18,000 property owners are involved in the sector, with a total of 147,000 available bed spaces.
The market has expanded since 2010, with an influx of short-term rental properties alongside the existing self-catering options. The sector’s significance is further highlighted during times of crisis when traditional accommodation options may be limited.
Mr O’Leary said Fáilte Ireland was working with the B&B sector and hoping for its growth and not continue the decline over many decades of a sector that was once central to Ireland’s tourism economy. The number of registered B&Bs declined from 4267 in 1998 to 1,500 today. He said that the sector could grow again, recognising the importance of accessibility and sustainability in the home sharing industry.
