Mich Goh, Director of Public Policy for APAC at Airbnb, has built her career around understanding the diverse needs of governments across the region regarding short-term rentals. Each market has its unique goals, such as revitalizing empty homes in rural Japan or empowering women hosts in Goa to capture more tourism revenue.
Mich’s approach involves listening to concerns rather than immediately defending short-term rentals. She asks questions like “What is the outcome that you’re trying to achieve? What is the problem that you’re trying to solve for?” to understand the root of the issues. This approach is reflected in her perspective on the future of travel, which she believes will shift from mere sightseeing to immersive experiences that evoke feelings and connections with places.
A notable example of Mich’s approach was during a public consultation in Putrajaya, Malaysia, where she faced a room full of residents, condo management, and hotel operators who were frustrated with short-term rentals. Despite the tense atmosphere, Mich’s listening approach helped to alter the atmosphere in the room, making it more constructive.
According to an eight-country study, 89% of travelers have already ventured beyond big cities in the past year, and 91% plan to do so again. This demand for regional and rural travel presents both opportunities and challenges for local governments and communities. Mich’s emphasis on empathy and understanding in addressing these challenges is a key aspect of her approach to short-term rental regulation.
By focusing on the outcomes that governments and communities want to achieve, rather than simply advocating for short-term rentals, Mich aims to find solutions that benefit all parties involved. Her approach recognizes that the needs and concerns of each market are unique and require tailored responses. They have to consider the specific circumstances of each location to develop effective regulations.