Mener turistene presser ut ansatte: – Gedigent problem

Mener turistene presser ut ansatte, claiming "Gedigent problem" - Local resident Roar Dons, a manual therapist, musician and property developer, asserts that Airbnb and short-term rentals are a growing issue in Tromsø. Despite not owning half the city, Dons says he often has a front-row seat as the city's largest tenants reveal their incomes.

The Pellerin family, owning a large chunk of Tromsø property, from commercial buildings to the popular The Edge conference hotel, is part of the problem. Dons explains how an influx of tourists has led to an overreliance on private property owners for accommodation. While Tromsø welcomes visitors and the unique arctic winter, northern lights and nature, Dons worries the surge in short-term rental accommodations has become overwhelming.

With few hotels to house all the visitors, private property owners using platforms like Airbnb have become a convenient solution. However, the rapid growth of this sector has caused problems. Hotel manager Ida Kristine Jakobsen at The Edge has witnessed staff members moving out of their homes due to being forced to vacate for private use.

This has resulted in three employees losing their jobs and moving to other cities. Jakobsen believes the irregularly regulated market has grown unchecked, and it's causing friction for hotel employees. The city has taken steps to address the issue, which Jakobsen appreciates. She believes the city should track short-term rentals, differentiate between property used for residential and business purposes, and consider licensing for short-term rental providers.

Dons also praises the city for issuing warnings and fines to offenders. However, he believes the solution is straightforward: strictly regulate illegal short-term rentals. Dons criticizes politicians for being cautious about alienating voters and possibly protecting legal property owners. He argues that this complacency allows the issue to persist and damage the city's reputation as a desirable tourist destination.

Dons believes rising property prices and insufficient construction are contributing factors, and he would prefer more focus on limiting construction rather than regulating short-term rentals. He emphasizes that the issue lies with Airbnb-like platforms, not hotel competition. Dons insists that the problem doesn't disappear if these platforms vanish, as the city still needs more hotels for tourists.

The core issue, according to Dons, is the shortage of accommodation for both tourists and local residents.