The so-called “sharing economy” and related activities of organisations like Airbnb and Home Away from Home are viewed as somewhat of a threat in many tourism destinations. Particularly more traditional visitor-accommodations such as hotels, timeshare resorts, vacation condos, etc., are affected.
Nevertheless, the phenomenon has very much become part and parcel of the global travel industry and there appears to be no escaping it. That’s why it was good to read in Tuesday’s paper about the first in a series of related conferences hosted by Le Grand Solutions under the theme “Acres of Diamonds.”
There is clearly an opportunity for residents with available guest rooms to make a bit of money, which – especially after Hurricane Irma – is obviously most welcome. Of course, those involved must in principle pay their fair share of taxes on this extra income, for which government can best make direct arrangements with the international platform providers as many other countries have already done.
An attentive reader brought up a few relevant potential problems that ought to be taken into consideration. One could question the wisdom of inviting strangers into the home and what kind of persons prefer to spend their holidays in someone else’s living space anyway.
However, a hotel room or timeshare unit is probably used by even more different people on an annual basis. Therefore, the concept of sleeping in beds shared by many others is certainly not new to St. Maarten’s hospitality sector.
The conclusion that these are mostly low-budget tourists seems justified, but that doesn’t mean they won’t practice proper hygiene. There is also no reason to believe they would harm property or inhabitants, although the vetting issue undoubtedly remains important.
The bottom line is that great care should always be taken – and the necessary safeguards added – in whatever people choose to do. It’s a matter of common sense.
