COThe Colombian hotel industry faces a growing contradiction as short-term rental platforms like Airbnb expand, increasing tourist numbers but reducing revenue. The Association of Hotels and Tourism of Colombia (Cotelco) argues that while these platforms are welcome, they must comply with the same legal requirements as traditional hotels. Data from Cotelco, using sources like AlltheRooms and the National Tourism Registry (RNT), shows a significant increase in registered short-term rentals—up 609% between 2019 and 2024—with projections reaching over 113,000 by 2025. However, there is a discrepancy between platform listings and official registrations, suggesting outdated records and informal operations. Cotelco president José Andrés Duarte highlights regulatory disparities, noting that hotels bear higher costs and compliance standards compared to informal short-term rentals, leading to a decline in formal hotel occupancy rates in major cities.
Bias read (Center): The article presents a balanced discussion between the growth of short-term rental platforms and the concerns raised by the hotel association. It does not take a clear ideological stance but rather reports on the regulatory challenges and economic impacts. While the issue has political implications,
