Abingdon officials want to establish an equal playing field for all hospitality establishments by having online travel platforms adhere to the same town taxes and regulations as hotels, motels and bed and breakfasts.
The council’s HomeStay Ordinance regulates these online platforms, including Airbnb, Craigslist and HomeAway, and will take effect Aug. 10. The ordinance was unanimously approved by Town Council on July 10.
The ordinance was intended to be “proactive instead of reactive,” Mayor Cathy Lowe said.
