The Provincial Government is moving forward with amendments to the Tourist Accommodations Act.
The amendments will require short-term accommodation hosts who list their primary residences to register with the Provincial Government. Additionally, short-term rental platforms will be required to remove any listing that is not registered and to share information about their listings with the Provincial Government.
These measures will provide the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador with a more complete picture of the scope of short-term rentals throughout the province.
The Tourist Accommodations Act received Royal Assent in the House of Assembly in November 2020, replacing the former Tourism Establishments Act. Prior to its introduction in the House of Assembly, an online questionnaire was administered that engaged tourism and hospitality stakeholders on short-term accommodations in the province. Since then, the department has been regularly engaged with key stakeholders, such as Hospitality NL and Municipalities NL.
Since April 2023, over 2,200 accommodations have registered with the Province. In March 2024, the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation extended the registration deadline to June 30 to allow adequate time to process the registrations and update the various partner platforms.
Further details on the Tourist Accommodations Act, including the regulations and how to register your short-term accommodation can be found online.
Quotes
“Tourism and hospitality stakeholders in our province have advocated for a better balance between licensed and unlicensed accommodations. With these measures, the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, and Recreation gains oversight of all providers of overnight stays, empowering them to regulate and enhance our visitors’ experiences. We remain committed to collaborating with stakeholders as we progress in implementing and assessing these changes.”
Honourable Steve Crocker
Minister of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation
“Hospitality NL and its members welcome the amendments to the Tourism Accommodations Act. We had advocated to the Province for meaningful adjustments to the legislation that levels the playing field for all short-term rentals. These amendments will help ensure platforms are accountable and contributing to the tourism and hospitality industry as equal players. Providing the best ‘Newfoundland and Labrador experience’ requires all operators to work together.”
Deborah Bourden
Chair, Hospitality NL
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Learn more
New Tourist Accommodations Act and Regulations
Proclaimed New Tourist Accommodations Bill Introduced
Minister Davis Announces Framework to Address Short Term Accommodations
Engaging Stakeholders on Modernizing the Tourist Establishments Act
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