The government has proposed that Airbnb offer its services only in the interior of the country where the supply of hotels is lower and where the legal prohibition of vacation rentals is not in effect.

Authorities at the online rental company met with representatives from the government and the private sector, after a group of tourists were affected by an inspection by the ATP in an apartment which was rented out using the platform.

Prensa.com reports that “…Entrepreneurs who attended the meeting indicated that during the gathering it was was made clear that Panamanian law prohibits renting of apartments in the capital city for tourism visits of less than 45 days. “

“… Among the proposals made by the ATP to Airbnb representatives, the most noteworthy was that they only offer apartments and residences for rent which are located in the interior of the country, where there is a shortage of rooms. Law 80 only prohibits the activity in the capital city, but makes no mention of the rest of the country. After the meeting, a spokesperson for Airbnb promised to deliver a proposal to the Panamanian authorities and the private sector in February 2017 in order to continue offering properties in Panama.”

Source: Prensa.com