Hub Podcasts The risks of over-regulating short-term rentals in Canada
Oct 14, 2025
Nathan Rotman, Director of Policy Strategy for North America at Airbnb, dives into how short-term rentals influence local economies in Canada. He highlights how Airbnb listings boost spending in communities lacking hotels and provide vital supplemental income for hosts. Nathan also discusses the emergence of domestic bookings and the crucial role of hosts in supporting housing flexibility. He warns against restrictive regulations that could stifle this growth while advocating for tailored policies that enhance local engagement and tourism.
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Dispersed Tourism Fuels Local Stays
- Airbnb listings in Canada enable local, neighborhood stays instead of centralized hotel stays in downtown cores.
- This dispersal lets guests stay near family or local attractions and expands tourism beyond traditional destinations.
Short-Term Rentals Boost Local Economies
- Nearly half of Airbnb listings are in communities without any hotel, increasing visitor spending in local businesses.
- Guests using short-term rentals tend to spend more at neighborhood shops and restaurants than typical hotel guests.
Founding Origin To Cover Rent
- Airbnb began when two hosts rented air beds to afford rent, showing hosting as grassroots income generation.
- Hosts also use short-term listings during major events to cover big expenses or fund vacations.