Antigua and Barbuda is expanding its tourism inspection and licensing department to check standards at short-term rental properties and ensure visitors receive the accommodation advertised, Tourism Minister Charles Fernandez says.

Speaking on the Browne and Browne Show, Fernandez said the growing sector requires oversight to protect guests and the country’s tourism reputation.

“When somebody advertises a property, we will go and have to inspect it to make sure what they’re advertising is not AI-related and people come and get the wrong thing,” he said.

Fernandez warned that a mismatch between advertising and the accommodation provided could give the wider tourism product a bad name.

“We have to ensure that they live up to the standards that are expected of it,” he said.

The minister said demand for short-term rentals has grown faster than demand for traditional hotel rooms since the COVID-19 pandemic, creating more opportunities for Antiguans and Barbudans to participate directly in tourism.

He said local investors are developing accommodation businesses on a smaller scale than major hotels, including by obtaining bank financing.

Fernandez presented the growth in locally owned rentals as a way for more tourism revenue to remain in the country and for residents to benefit from the industry.

He did not specify how many additional inspectors would be recruited, when the department’s expansion would be completed or how frequently properties would be inspected.

This article was originally published by Antigua News Room. Read the original article here: More inspections planned for Antigua and Barbuda’s short-term rentals.