More than 500 small business leaders, community members, online travel platforms, and industry associations have come together to encourage smart vacation rental policy and statewide economic recovery
PHOENIX, AZ—Today, a new coalition of more than 500 Arizona community members, small business leaders, and travel industry stakeholders have come together to call on state lawmakers to pass responsible regulations that address neighborhood concerns while preserving the ability for short-term rental owners to contribute to Arizona’s recovery. Today’s launch of Arizonans for Responsible Tourism Recovery (AZRTR) comes as the Arizona legislature is considering multiple laws regarding the future of vacation rentals in the state.
“Overall, I believe that Arizona has benefited greatly from the popularity of vacation rentals. As an owner and manager, I’ve enjoyed welcoming people from all over the world. Not only do I rely on the economic benefits but a lot of others do too. I hope the government keeps people like me in mind when considering what to do next,” said John Hildebrand, AZRTR member, Scottsdale resident, and one of more than 500 Arizona residents who’ve joined the coalition this month.
Over the next few weeks, Arizonans for Responsible Tourism Recovery will be working to educate community stakeholders and lawmakers on the negative impacts of bills like HB 2481. Filed by Representative John Kavanagh, this bill would strip Arizona’s long standing vacation rental protections, which have made Arizona one of the most vibrant and successful markets in the country for vacation rental hosts and guests.
“Home sharing offers Arizonans, including schoolteachers and those caring for aging parents, an opportunity to supplement their income and maintain their standard of living. The majority of short-term rental hosts are responsible community members who contribute immensely to the Arizona economy as well as tax revenue to their cities and counties. Consumer trends are changing, and many traveler’s prefer short-term rentals because of the amenities and home-feel they offer travelers, businesspeople and frontline workers. Hosting Arizona visitors is truly gratifying and would be a shame if lawmakers took this opportunity away from residents like me,” explained Linda J. Curry, a host in Mesa.
Arizonans for Responsible Tourism Recovery will also advocate for fair and effective vacation rental regulations like SB 1379. Introduced by Sen. J.D. Mesnard, SB 1379 offers the state a path forward for reasonable policy reforms that address changing community and industry needs. Passed out of the Senate Commerce Committee with unanimous approval last week, Mesnard’s proposal moves the entire state forward by addressing local governments’ most frequently cited concerns without threatening the travel and tourism operations needed for a robust economic recovery.
“Arizona short-term rental hosts and managers support fair and balanced measures that protect homeowners’ rights as well as our communities,” said Sedona property manager Sara Alper.
Arizonans for Responsible Tourism Recovery is supported by a diverse group of community and industry stakeholders who recognize the importance of balanced vacation rental regulations to Arizona’s economic recovery in the wake of COVID-19. Learn more about our diverse membership at azrtr.org.
# # #