Jamaica Inks Pact With Airbnb

PHOTO: Jamaica has become the second Caribbean country to announce an agreement with Airbnb. Pictured is Kingston. (Photo courtesy of Thinkstock).

Jamaica has become the most recent tourism-reliant Caribbean country to forge an agreement with sharing economy provider Airbnb. An agreement announced this week will serve to "promote tourism to the island" said Jamaican government officials in a statement.

Jamaica's pact with the home-sharing company follows Aruba's move earlier this year to forge an agreement with the sharing economy provider, whose listings have expanded quickly in Caribbean destinations popular with international travelers.

"Jamaica has so much to offer travelers seeking authentic experiences due to the diversity of our tourism product," said Paul Pennicook, Jamaica's director of tourism, in a statement. "With this partnership with Airbnb we will be able to offer a renewed focus on community-based tourism which highlights our biggest asset, our people."

"We are excited to announce this partnership with the Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB)," said Shawn Sullivan, Airbnb's Public Policy lead for Central America and the Caribbean. "Jamaica is a world-class tourist destination that offers visitors a unique experience against a beautiful backdrop. Airbnb travelers seek unique and authentic travel experiences and Jamaica offers just that."

Pennicook's statement did not outline details of the agreement, saying only the pact "brings new opportunities to grow [Jamaica's] tourism industry and expands economic opportunities for Jamaicans." JTB officials were unavailable for comment. Aruba's agreement addresses taxes, host accommodation standards and regulations for home providers, mirroring issues the $30 billion company faces with municipalities around the world.

The proliferation of Airbnb and similar home-sharing listings has significantly impacted Caribbean hoteliers in 2016. Industry analysts report Caribbean resort overall profitability is down this year despite generally higher occupancy.

Pennicook said there are 4,000 listings in Jamaica. Caribbean Hotel & Tourism Association (CHTA) data indicates 24 Caribbean destinations offer Airbnb listings. Jamaica, the Dominican Republic, Sint Maarten and the U.S. Virgin Islands all report more than 1,000 listings.

"The Caribbean is an important and growing market for Airbnb," said Sullivan. "Our travelers are more focused on the experience, they want to 'live like a local' and 'belong anywhere,' which makes the Caribbean and ideal Airbnb destination."

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