The Porto City Council announced that a new digital portal will enable the municipality to monitor the listings on the platform and request the immediate removal of those not adhering to local regulations, thereby enhancing the fight against unregistered accommodation.
This measure is part of a partnership between Airbnb and the municipality, aligned with the Future Strategy for the Sustainability of the Porto Destination. This initiative aims to promote authentic, balanced, and resilient tourism that serves the territory, communities, and urban quality of life, according to the council headed by independent Rui Moreira.
Airbnb also revealed in a statement that the agreement includes the launch of an awareness campaign targeted at local hosts and the promotion of tourism experiences encouraging visitor decentralization throughout the city.
“Together, these initiatives will help hosts comply with the new local accommodation rules – including the mandatory proof of liability insurance – and contribute to more responsible and sustainable tourism in Porto,” the platform stated.
Airbnb disclosed that the digital portal is expected to be ready by September, with adjustments currently being made to tailor the platform to Porto’s specific needs.
For Catarina Santos Cunha, City Councillor for Tourism and Internationalization of Porto City Council, the goal is “a more qualified, decentralized, and city-oriented tourism.”
“It is crucial to promote a local accommodation sector that respects rules and positively contributes to the urban and social fabric. Collaborating with global platforms like Airbnb is essential to ensure effective, coordinated, and transparent action,” remarked the councillor, as cited on the city’s website.
Airbnb Marketing Services Director Jaime Rodriguez Santiago stated that “this partnership represents a further concrete step in Airbnb’s commitment to a more sustainable, balanced, and responsible tourism model.”
“We believe tourism should be a positive force and want to continue working alongside Porto to ensure tourism benefits are shared by all – from hosts and guests to the communities that make the city so special,” highlighted the director.
