Copyright kelownacapnews
Since the province’s short-term rental rules took effect in May 2024, Kelowna businesses have faced fewer customers and declining sales due to reduced accommodation availability and high hotel prices. This year, Lisanne Ballantyne, Tourism Kelowna president and CEO, said in Kelowna hotel bookings have been above 80 per cent on average, an increase of 10 per cent over last year, while airport passenger traffic was up nine per cent for June and July and up from January to July by eight per cent in comparison to last year. “The visitors are still flowing here but one of the bigger questions across the tourism sector is how much they are spending. Consumer behaviour is changing…,” Ballantyne said to Capital News in October. Ballantyne said where in the past a family might travel to Kelowna for a vacation and eat out two or three times for sit-down dinners in local restaurants, now they might only do that once and look for other cheaper options. On Nov. 3 the mayor and city unanimously voted in favour of a partial opt out of B.C. short-term rentals, the motion was passed. On Wednesday, Nov. 12 at 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. a select group of small business owners, short-term rental hosts, restaurateurs, tourism operators, and local elected leaders will gather at Basil & Mint (3799 Lakeshore Road) to discuss short-term rental regulations. Discussion will include: •Community perspectives: first-hand accounts from local hosts, business owners, and policymakers; •Policy solutions: Gavin Dew, MLA for Kelowna-Mission and critic for small business & innovation will discuss proposed practical changes to allow more flexibility for short-term rentals during major events
