Travel Tech Testifies on Pennsylvania Short-Term Rental Legislation

In Brief: Representatives from the travel technology sector recently provided testimony regarding proposed regulations on short-term rentals in Pennsylvania, highlighting the potential impacts on the industry.

Travel Tech President and CEO Laura Chadwick testified before the Pennsylvania House Committee on Tourism, Recreation and Economic Development on House Bill 2303, legislation addressing compliance requirements for short-term rentals.

In her testimony, Chadwick highlighted the importance of maintaining consumer choice in lodging and preserving the economic benefits that short-term rental platforms provide to Pennsylvania communities.

“Travel Tech members create marketplaces where travel providers compete directly, helping keep travel more affordable and accessible for everyday Americans,” Chadwick said.

Short-term rentals play a significant role in Pennsylvania’s economy. In 2024, activity on Travel Tech member platforms generated $1.8 billion in GDP impact, supported more than 22,000 jobs, and produced $501 million in host earnings.

Travel Tech expressed support for several elements of HB 2303, including distinctions between different types of short-term rentals, preservation of local zoning authority, and efforts to improve tax compliance.

However, Chadwick cautioned that the bill, as drafted, creates a comprehensive statewide regulatory framework that goes beyond recommendations from Pennsylvania’s Joint State Government Commission and could impose disproportionate burdens on small hosts.

Travel Tech urged lawmakers to ensure that any regulatory approach is appropriately tailored, avoids unnecessary compliance costs, and does not reduce supply or limit consumer choice—particularly in communities that rely on tourism.

Travel Tech looks forward to continued engagement with policymakers to support a framework that promotes transparency, competition, and a vibrant travel marketplace.