WA Tourism Minister Paul Papalia has flagged a crackdown on Airbnb after admitting he had concerns about the effect the accommodation sharing platform was having on the State’s hotel sector.

Mr Papalia said yesterday that the State Government needs to conduct a “comprehensive assessment” of the rules governing Airbnb to ensure the short-stay provider was properly regulated.

The comments came as he sought to talk up the early signs of a recovery in WA’s tourism sector after a dip in the number of overseas and interstate visitors travelling to the State.

Mr Papalia highlighted Rottnest as an example of the turnaround, saying that in the first seven months of this financial year 30 per cent more people travelled to the island than in the previous corresponding period.

“Every anecdotal report I’ve had in recent times is that the first quarter of this year is the best they’ve had in years,” he said.

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Mr Papalia acknowledged concerns raised by hotel operators that the increase in visitor numbers could be neutralised from an industry perspective by Airbnb.

“I share some concerns of the hoteliers that Airbnb needs to be regulated properly,” he said.

“It has a place to play. Mums and dads renting out their spare room is a good thing and provides another dimension to accommodation options in Western Australia.

“But it must be regulated. It should not be seen as a loophole through which you can avoid proper regulation if you’re going to operate a hotel, for instance.”