"If you have tourists stay overnight, report this to the government"

The Flemish government confirms that those offering accommodation through the online service of Couchsurfing and Airbnb should have a legal permit and take into account basic quality and safety standards. This is to avoid unfair competition, the Flemish Tourism Minister Geert Bourgeois argues. Those that didn't apply and get caught, risk a fine of 250 euros.

If you offer overnight stays to tourists on a private basis, you have to complete the official registration forms supplied by the Flemish government. "This obligation also applies to those offering overnight stays online through the Couchsurfing and Airbnb", Mr Bourgeois (Flemish nationalist) points out.  

The statement comes as the success of these websites continues. An estimated 25,000 Flemish residents are offering overnight stays in this way. Mr Bourgeois says that this is unfair competiton for hotels and B&B's if they do it for commercial reasons. "We received demands from the hospitality sector to create an equal framework."

Safety is another important aspect for Mr Bourgeois: "If you receive a third party at your home, you should respect a minimum of quality and safety standards." This includes the presence of fire extinguishers, smoke detectors, emergency exits and signalisation.

The rules don't apply if you just have your family or friends stay overnight, Mr Bourgeois adds. "You don't need a permit in that case. It only involves commercial stays, not if you have your friends or family members stay the night."

Late on Friday, Geert Bourgeois said that the decree does not apply to couchsurfing after all, see our "Read also" section.

Socialists and liberals at loggerheads with Mr Bourgeois

The news triggered a number of political reactions. Flemish socialist figurehead Ingrid Lieten, the Flemish Innovation minister, says that this is a case of imposing an excessive set of rules and red tape. "Youngsters will no longer have an affordable way to discover the world", she argues. The criticism comes despite socialists and Flemish nationalists being coalition partners in the Flemish government.

Flemish liberal party head Gwendolyn Rutten sent a message on Twitter: "Nuisance fines for hospitality? What a nuisance!" Mr Bourgeois retorted that the Flemish liberals gave the green light to the system of nuisance fines in parliament in the past. This led to Ms Rutten saying: "A lot has changed in 5 years' time, Geert. Welcome to modern times!"

The news also attracted the attention of the European Commissioner Neelie Kroes who wants to find out more.

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