Airbnb’s strategy for managing short-term rental rules in the Asia-Pacific region avoids direct persuasion and instead begins with active listening. Mich Goh, the company’s public policy director for the region, has observed that each local market has distinct priorities. In rural Japan, the emphasis lies on reusing vacant homes, while in Goa, the focus is on helping women in remote areas earn more from tourism. “Each government is pursuing different objectives,” Goh explains. The company’s task is to identify what officials truly aim to accomplish—not just what they claim as their goals.
This method is supported by research: an analysis across eight countries revealed that 89% of travelers had already visited destinations beyond major cities in the past year, and 91% intended to do so again. While regional travel has grown, the critical question remains whether local communities can sustain this demand. Rather than arguing in favor of short-term rentals, Goh initiates discussions by asking governments what specific challenges they seek to address. “What result are you working toward?” she often inquires. This approach aligns with a broader trend in tourism, where visitors now prioritize meaningful experiences over sightseeing. “It’s not about the attractions,” she states. “It’s about the emotional connection to a place.”
A defining moment occurred during a contentious public hearing in Putrajaya, Malaysia. A crowded room of residents, condominium managers, and hotel representatives had turned sharply against short-term rentals. Instead of disputing their concerns, Goh concentrated on understanding the root issues. The shift in atmosphere was swift and noticeable.
In regions where tourism is heavily concentrated in a few cities, overcrowding and displacement risks are significant. However, in smaller towns where demand is expanding, the lack of short-term rentals can lead to missed economic opportunities. Goh emphasizes that regulation should not stifle travel but instead ensure it creates value for the destinations involved.