There has been a recent increase in registrations in the relevant registry of premises rented through the internet and platforms like Airbnb.
Registration in the registry of the Deputy Minister of Tourism is mandatory by law, so that these properties can be advertised and, consequently, made available for short-term rental.
However, a significant number of such properties continue to remain outside the registry.
According to some estimates, around half of the accommodations advertised on various platforms, which some estimates put at around 15,000, are not registered.
As mentioned, in the last period, as a result of a campaign by the Deputy Ministry of Tourism and other services, the number registered in the registry has been continuously increasing.
According to the latest data obtained by philenews in mid-September, the number of accommodations registered in the Deputy Ministry of Tourism’s registry reached 7,800, up from 7,312 in July this year.
That is, in a period of less than two months, 500 accommodations were registered. It is noted that in April last year, the number of registered accommodations in the Deputy Ministry of Tourism’s registry was just 4,765. As mentioned, the 7,800 accommodations correspond to approximately 35,000 beds.
Additionally, a large number of applications are pending approval for registration, as mentioned by a competent source from the Deputy Ministry of Tourism, who stated that this process is essentially in full swing.
Thus, leaving open the possibility of a new campaign as part of the Deputy Ministry of Tourism’s efforts to combat illegality in this sector, with hoteliers putting pressure in this direction due to the unfair competition they claim to face.
The registration fee for self-catering accommodations in the Deputy Ministry of Tourism’s registry – which is done exclusively online through the Deputy Ministry’s website and by submitting specific details and certificates – amounts to €222 per triennium for each self-catering accommodation.
According to the provisions of the relevant legislation, “anyone who maintains or operates a self-catering accommodation without a registration permit, or whose registration permit has been revoked, is guilty of an offence and, upon conviction, is liable to imprisonment for a term not exceeding one (1) year or a fine not exceeding €5,000 or both these penalties, and if the offence continues after conviction, is guilty of a further offence and is liable to a further fine not exceeding €200 for each day the offense continues.”
