MOUNT Gambier has recorded a massive 200pc increase in short-term accommodation bookings through Airbnb, which has catapulted the city into nation’s top five trending destinations this year.
The surge in Airbnb bookings follows a rise in the number of short-term accommodation listings in the Blue Lake city in recent years.
According to a search of Airbnb yesterday, there were around 90 properties in Mount Gambier listed on its site.
Mount Gambier City Council has also received applications for additional short-term accommodation developments.
Tourism Mount Gambier chair Kent Comley said the Blue Lake city and the greater region were continuing to see growth in visitor numbers.
He said this growth was being fuelled by greater promotion and the fact the region was attracting more tourists from the Great Ocean Road as well as the driving route between Adelaide and Mount Gambier.
In particular, he said the campaigns – which showcased the region’s attractions through social media – were particularly paying dividends.
“Tourism Australia has also picked up on our region including the city’s iconic Umpherston Sinkhole – all this adds up to an increased awareness of Mount Gambier,” Mr Comley said.
Regarding the rise of short term accommodation listings such as Airbnb, the tourism leader said the city’s accommodation sector had always been “competitive”.
Conceding the rise of short term accommodation would compete against established motels, hotels and caravan parks, Mr Comley said there was room to “progress together”.
Realtor Gail Richards – from Key2Sale – said yesterday there had a rise in popularity with people listing properties for short term accommodation.
“People are seeing it as another investment opportunity,” Ms Richards said.
She said some people were hoping to receive higher return compared with a traditional rental property.
“We have seen this trend and interest from buyers,” the realtor said.
She said she had particularly seen a rise in short term accommodation along the coast, including Port MacDonnell.
In particular, Ms Richards said some people were choosing to also use their holiday home for short term rental when it was not needed.
“We are seeing a lot more short term accommodation around,” the realtor said.
Ms Richards said a number of properties had been sold particularly for short term accommodation.
But she warned the tighter restrictions flowing from the banking sector had seen a tightening on investment loan approvals.
Her comments come as the recommendations of the Royal Commission into the nation’s banking sector was expected to be released yesterday.
This is expected to see a number of recommendations adopted by the Federal Government.
