As of January, Japan established the Japan Association of Vacation Rentals, an alliance of nine hospitality companies formed to promote and improve the country’s tourism sector. With the 2020 Olympic Games expected to draw more than 40 million international visitors, the association aims to coordinate industry efforts and raise standards across the vacation rental market.
Growing concerns about illegal rentals and a tightening regulatory environment prompted the creation of this group. Its purpose is to support responsible, legal management of vacation rentals nationwide by working closely with local governments, regulators and rental hosts. The association also intends to act as a constructive channel of communication between the public sector and private operators to resolve issues and promote best practices.
Members include Agoda International Japan, Airbnb, Booking.com, Ctrip International Travel, HomeAway, Hyakusenrenma, Tujia Japan, Rakuten Lifull Stay and Space Market. The board of directors will comprise representatives from the six international platforms and three domestic companies. To avoid consolidation of authority, representative directors will serve limited terms of no more than one year.