"Flemish decree does not apply to couchsurfing"

"Flemish legislation concerning accommodation does not apply to couchsurfing, as long as it has no commercial aims." This was said by the Flemish Tourism Minister Geert Bourgeois late on Friday after an earlier announcement caused quite a stir. However, other online services such as Airbnb will be subject to stricter guidelines.

The debate was kicked off yesterday morning, with the Flemish Tourism Minister Geert Bourgeois (Flemish nationalist) warning those offering accommodation to tourists on a private basis. Mr Bourgeois said that those receiving guests for overnight stays at their homes via online channels such as Couchsurfing or Airbnb would have to register with the Flemish government and comply with a set of rules.

If not, they risk fines of 250 euros, the minister added. He argued that the hospitality sector, with hotels offering official accommodation, was confronted with unfair competition, and that anyone offering lodgings to strangers should comply with a set of safety rules, like in the professional sector. 

The statement sparked a number of political reactions. The discussion was also whether the decree should apply to couchsurfing, considering its non-commercial status. Yesterday evening, Mr Bourgeois made things clear. He said the decree does not apply to couchsurfers, as long as it has no commercial purpose and on the condition that guests are not being charged. The decree only applies to accommodation offered to tourists, and not friends or family staying over, he added.

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