Airbnb is presenting the country's first industry-led Code of Conduct for short-term rental lodging, as travel resumes in more Phase 2 states.
The Code of Conduct, which will be published on Airbnb's responsible hosting page, will establish a benchmark and standards for short-term rental properties.
It would include guidance on host obligations to guests and responsible guest behaviour, as well as health and safety requirements for both hosts and guests, as well as methods to assist hosts in complying with bylaws, rules, and regulations pertaining to hosting operations, including tax.
Airbnb guests in Malaysia will be informed of these rules prior to their arrival.
It has also expanded its neighbourhood helpline to Malaysia, making it easier for people of the community to contact Airbnb directly with urgent concerns about a local rental.
The Code of Conduct and the neighbourhood support line, according to Airbnb's head of public policy for Southeast Asia, Mich Goh, reinforce its continuous commitment to promote cleaner, safer, and responsible travel in support of the forthcoming travel rebound.
"The Code of Conduct is designed to help ensure each stay is a positive experience for hosts, guests and the broader community, while our localised neighbourhood support line aims to give communities additional peace of mind and helps ensure everyone can share in the benefits of hosting," said Goh.
According to Goh, the rollout of the neighbourhood support line in countries including the United States, Australia, the United Kingdom, Japan and France, has proven to be an important tool in Airbnb's efforts to combat unauthorised gatherings and enforce the company's global ban on parties.
She said Airbnb is committed to partnering with the government to help revive tourism and contribute to Malaysia's economic recovery.
Last week Airbnb reported a week-over-week increase in vacation searches to Langkawi, Port Dickson, Malacca, and Pahang.