Amsterdam, Airbnb enter home sharing, tourist tax agreement

Airbnb and the City of Amsterdam today announced that they have entered into an agreement on home sharing. This agreement aims to simplify the payment of tourist tax for hosts in Amsterdam and also promote responsible home sharing. "The partnership, which is the first of its kind in Europe, is good news for residents who share their homes trough Airbnb." reads a press release by the City of Amsterdam. "It also furthers Amsterdam's reputation for being a hospitable city that embraces innovation and the sharing economy." Before making this agreement, Amsterdam city leaders first contacted a number of home sharing companies to get ideas about responsible home sharing. The agreement states that Amsterdam and Airbnb will cooperate in providing hosts with accurate and accessible information regarding the rules of home sharing. Airbnb will collect and remit tourist tax on behalf of hosts, simplifying the process. Hosts will receive email updates from Airbnb twice a year reminding them of the rules and regulations in Amsterdam. The city and Airbnb will also work together to push back on illegal hotels.