Airbnb launches Global Office of Healthy Tourism

Α Decrease font Enlarge font
Airbnb launches Global Office of Healthy TourismAirbnb is also releasing data that shows the benefits of healthy tourism for hosts, guests and cities around the world

Airbnb launched the Office of Healthy Tourism, an initiative to drive local, authentic and sustainable tourism in countries and cities across the globe. Along with the launch of the Office, Airbnb is also releasing data that shows the benefits of healthy tourism for hosts, guests and cities around the world, as well as announcing the creation of its new Tourism Advisory Board, which will be made up of travel industry leaders from around the world.  

Since the company was founded 10 years ago, travelers have discovered new destinations and neighborhoods off the typical tourist path, bringing the economic benefits of tourism to small businesses and local residents around the world. Building off of this work through partnerships, programs and events, Airbnb will expand its efforts to economically empower communities, drive travel to lesser-known places, and support environmentally-friendly travel habits with the Office of Healthy Tourism.

With travel and tourism growing faster than most of the rest of economy, it is critical that as many people as possible are benefiting – and right now not all tourism is created equal. To democratize the benefits of travel, Airbnb offers a healthy alternative to the mass travel that has plagued cities for decades.

Airbnb supports tourism that is local, authentic, diverse, inclusive and sustainable. Through the meaningful income earned by the mosaic that is our global community of hosts; our ability to promote tourism to places that need it the most; and the inherent sustainable benefits of hosting, Airbnb is providing the type of travel that is best for destinations, residents, and travelers alike.

Chris Lehane, Airbnb’s Head of Global Policy, Airbnb’s Office of Healthy Tourism said:

The company has already embarked on a number of initiatives to promote Healthy Tourism. Last year, Airbnb Co-Founder and Chief Product Officer Joe Gebbia opened the Yoshino Cedar House, a landmark listing in a rural community that was slowly disappearing due to an aging population, low birth rate, and exodus of young people. Since the house opened, Yoshino has hosted hundreds of guests from 32 countries, and 70 jobs have been supported in this small town by the spending of hosts and guests. The Office of Healthy Tourism will continue to focus on rural regeneration everywhere, from small villages in Italy to the countryside in China, to help bring the economic benefits of tourism to areas that want to welcome more travelers into their communities in a locally sensitive, sustainable way.

New project to promote Healthy Tourism by Airbnb

In another project to promote Healthy Tourism, Airbnb will partner with the University of Cape Town Graduate School of Business to host the Africa Travel Summit in September 2018. This three-day summit will bring together some of the most innovative thinkers from across the continent to discuss how  technology can help shape a more sustainable and inclusive tourism that empowers underserved communities in Africa. The summit will also focus on how to build a resilient tourism that can support places in times of resource scarcity.  

Airbnb also helps communities scale accommodations to host big events in a sustainable way. A study by The World Economic Forum after the 2016 Summer Games in Rio de Janeiro reported that the city would have needed to build 257 hotels in order to have provided enough rooms to accommodate the surge of Games attendees who stayed on Airbnb. For the most recent Winter Games in South Korea, 15,000 guests used Airbnb to attend the event — the equivalent of adding 7,500 hotel rooms. Collectively, hosts in the region earned over $2.3 million keeping 97 percent of what they charged, ensuring that the money stays in the country, with the local residents in the area.

Airbnb releases new data showing positive impact around the world

Airbnb’s healthy form of travel is also having a positive, meaningful impact in cities and countries around the world. Today, the company is releasing 2017 data for its top 300 cities and 80 countries, as part of a commitment to transparency with local governments, that demonstrates the benefits of healthy tourism. For example, the data in the United States shows that:

The US is home to a vibrant community of hosts who welcomed travelers from over 150 countries into their homes and communities.

In the US, the typical host earned $7,296 renting out their space 43 nights a year, providing meaningful income for regular people and families.

The US welcomed 31 million guests last year, and more than 38 million traveled from the US to other destinations, creating offline connections across borders and cultures.

How the Airbnb community supports healthy tourism worldwide

Airbnb has also released new data on how the Airbnb community supports healthy tourism worldwide:

  • 88% of Airbnb hosts around the world incorporate green practices into hosting, such as using green cleaning products, providing recycling, encouraging guests to use public transportation, and installing solar panels.
  • 79% of guests said they decided to use Airbnb because they wanted to live like a local, and 66% of guests said the environmental benefits of home sharing were important in their choice of Airbnb.
  • 89% of guests said that they chose Airbnb because it was more conveniently located throughout the city than hotels, and 44% of guest spending happens in the neighborhoods where they stay.
  • 53% of guests spent the money they saved using Airbnb at businesses in the cities and neighborhoods they visited.

Airbnb’s Tourism Advisory Board announced

Promoting healthy, sustainable tourism is particularly important as the tourism industry grows. According to the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), the travel industry supports 313 million jobs and generates 10 percent of the world’s GDP. While Airbnb is an inherently healthy way to travel, the company has formed a Tourism Advisory Board to help shape the company’s long-term vision and activities to ensure that Airbnb is a solution to the over tourism caused by mass travel.

The Tourism Advisory Board includes global tourism thought and policy leaders who have set the tone for this dialogue in their years in the industry:

  • David Scowsill, Chief Executive of EON Reality Inc. and former President and CEO of the World Travel & Tourism Council
  • Taleb Rifai, the former Secretary General of the United Nations World Tourism Organization
  • Rosette Rugamba, Managing Director of Songa Africa and Amakoro Lodge and former Director General of Rwanda Tourism
  • Professor the Hon Bob Carr, the former Foreign Affairs Minister for Australia and former Premier of New South Wales

Travel is becoming more accessible as the world gets richer. One billion more people will be in the global middle class by 2030, and these new entrants will be looking to travel to enhance their horizons. The concentration of tourism in key locations is creating a threat to their future, by causing congestion, overcrowding, and a deteriorating quality of life for residents. 

By bringing guests to new places, and putting more money in the hands of local residents, Airbnb has proven to be a pioneer. Spreading the tourists around each city and each country geographically is an important step to solving this overcrowding problem. I look forward to working with them to expand their efforts as they lead the way in this exciting new venture.

David Scowsill, Airbnb Tourism Advisory Board Member said:

“We are incredibly proud to have some of the foremost leaders in the travel industry joining our Tourism Advisory Board,” says Airbnb’s Chris Lehane. “These are all leaders of impeccable credentials who have worked to promote healthy tourism. With members from four different continents, we look forward to getting their perspectives on solutions to over tourism and to tap their expertise to promote and drive healthy tourism around the world.”

RELATED TOPICS: GreeceGreek tourism newsTourism in GreeceGreek islandsHotels in GreeceTravel to GreeceGreek destinations Greek travel marketGreek tourism statisticsGreek tourism report

Tornos
  1. 03/12 22:06

    Meetings with Greek parties will seek to maximise political consensus on postal vote

  2. 03/12 19:59

    Greek President Sakellaropoulou to officially visit Austria on December 4-6

  3. 03/12 18:56

    Hellenic Initiative 11th Annual New York Gala offers over $2.65 million for Greece

  4. 03/12 18:53

    Greek Development ministry to launch 'Christmas Basket' on December 13

  5. 01/12 21:58

    Greek PM to Bloomberg: I want to preserve the good relations with the UK

  6. 01/12 19:55

    Greece re-elected to the top of International Maritime Organization's Council Category A

  7. 01/12 16:47

    High maximum temperatures in Greece during November

  8. 01/12 15:51

    Festive Christmas tree lighting in Astoria’s Athens Square Park of New York

  9. 01/12 14:46

    President of Hellenic Republic on anniversary of Crete island union with Greece

  10. 01/12 14:38

    British Museum head says talks about a deal on Parthenon Sculptures continue

  11. 01/12 01:42

    Volos and Mount Pelion ready to receive winter tourists in Central Greece

  12. 30/11 22:50

    Google event: Greece aims to become an international hub for AI's code of ethics

  13. 30/11 18:34

    Greek police carry out intensive checks for offences including traffic violations

  14. 30/11 17:42

    Prime Minister announces Greeks abroad can vote by mail in Greek elections

  15. 30/11 01:54

    US Ambassador to Athens: Greece is a rising energy provider in SE Europe

  16. 29/11 19:47

    Greek deputy migration minister meets with visiting China counterpart in Athens

  17. 29/11 18:40

    OECD survey: Greek economy to grow by 2.4% this year and 2.0% during 2025

  18. 29/11 18:29

    HALC launches petition for return of Stolen Parthenon Marbles to Athens

  19. 29/11 12:24

    Minister: Request for Parthenon Marbles arises from law, history, global cultural values

  20. 29/11 11:43

    Kalymnian Society ‘Prodromos’ of Campbell in Ohio marks its 100th anniversary

  21. 28/11 16:06

    Greek PM's greeting on Seferis Office and Roderick Beaton Reading Room event in London

  22. 28/11 11:58

    Christmas holidays opening hours of Athens stores announced

  23. 28/11 09:02

    British government spokesperson assures the UK-Greece relationship is hugely important

  24. 28/11 08:16

    Greek Deputy FinMin: Government trying to close VAT gap with European average

  25. 28/11 07:10

    Unboxing Callas exhibition opens to the public through January 10

  26. 27/11 18:30

    UN World Tourism Organization endorses growing presence on the ground

  27. 27/11 14:51

    Greek merchant shipping fleet rose in numbers during September

  28. 27/11 14:44

    Teatro Grattacielo & Thessaloniki Concert Hall hold La Vestale for Callas Centenary

  29. 27/11 13:33

    Greek budget recorded a primary surplus of 6.08 billion euros in January-October

  30. 27/11 10:29

    Greek PM meeting with investors in London

  31. 27/11 08:55

    Top livestock facilities and animals to be provided to Greece's Thessaly farmers for free

  32. 26/11 12:58

    NBG: Fires, floods, disasters, inflation, costs cutting into Greece’s tourism sector

  33. 26/11 11:05

    Greek PM to BBC: Parthenon Sculptures case is like cutting up ‘Mona Lisa’

  34. 26/11 10:52

    Transport Minister: Thessaloniki Metro project will be fully operational by end 2024

  35. 26/11 09:02

    Boat schedules cancelled due to high winds on Sunday

  36. 26/11 07:08

    Greek government spox: 71% of freelancers declare lower income than minimum wage

  37. 25/11 14:08

    Chinese, Turks and Russians top Greece Golden Visa list getting passports

  38. 25/11 14:05

    Greece-Turkey High-level Cooperation Council 'one more step' in improving relations

  39. 25/11 13:54

    Weather service upgrades warning for 'Bettina' front in Greece

  40. 25/11 10:01

    Event in Chicago about Greek bureaucracy and Greek-American matters

  41. 24/11 14:40

    10th International Summer University Greek Language, Culture, and Mass Media in Boston

  42. 24/11 14:11

    European Union Commission offers €43.1 million in support for Greek farmers

  43. 24/11 12:48

    IPTO has secured enough power to boost launching offshore wind parks in Greece

  44. 24/11 11:43

    Land-use and Green Fund bill passes in Greek Parliament with ruling party votes

  45. 24/11 10:32

    Prime Minister: Port infrastructure in Greece undergoing major revamp

  46. 24/11 07:36

    Energy Minister: Greece could become global protagonist in offshore park industry

  47. 23/11 21:31

    Apartment prices rise 11.9% in Greece during Q3

  48. 23/11 21:09

    Athens Christmas tree lighting ceremony organized on Thursday

  49. 23/11 20:28

    Greek Foreign Minister meets with visiting Indonesian Vice President in Athens

  50. 23/11 15:11

    World-class distinctions bring Athina Luxury Suites at the top once again

  51. 23/11 11:15

    14th Ethnofest - Athens Ethnographic Film Festival opens on November 29

  52. 22/11 16:03

    Greek Cultural Center in Astoria of NYC will soon celebrate its 50th anniversary

  53. 22/11 13:07

    Greek state borrowing program from markets amounts to €9 billion during 2024

  54. 22/11 11:17

    International conference on social dialogue and inequalities in Athens on November 23-24

  55. 22/11 09:59

    Travel receipts rose by 15.2% to 18 billion euros in Greece during January-September

  56. 21/11 14:59

    Minister: Greece and India relations upgraded with the memorandum of cooperation

  57. 21/11 14:08

    National Economy and Finance Minister: Greek economy will rise even higher in 2024

  58. 21/11 13:19

    Greek Foreign Minister travels to Madrid for Euro-Med Group Med-9

  59. 20/11 22:59

    Transport Minister: Greece's entire railway network fully restored by 2025

  60. 20/11 21:39

    Greek airports see record hike in passenger traffic during January-October 2023

  61. 20/11 21:24

    AHEPA Supreme President visits New Haven Chapter 98 and presents Heroes Medals

  62. 20/11 19:13

    Embassy: Energy is the principal pillar of the US-Greece strategic relationship

  63. 20/11 16:10

    Tilda Swinton-Olivier Saillard show 'Embodying Pasolini' at Onassis Stegi in Athens

  64. 20/11 09:03

    Media guide: Get to know Greece’s diverse wines

  65. 19/11 14:29

    Archdiocesan Cathedral Philoptochos organizes the Chrysanthemum Ball in NYC

  66. 19/11 13:21

    Economic good news from EC dominates Greek PM's review of the past week

  67. 19/11 11:24

    Greek Consulate General & Teatro Grattacielo presented Callas tribute in New York

  68. 19/11 09:16

    Media report: Revealing the rich tapestry of Greek wines

  69. 18/11 16:12

    World Tourism Organization launches San Marino action for accessible tourism

  70. 18/11 16:11

    Telefonica and UNWTO to boost digital, sustainable and inclusive tourism

  71. 18/11 14:27

    Greek budget recorded primary surplus of 5.8 billion euros in January-October

  72. 18/11 14:04

    HFSF successfully concludes public offer of 22% of National Bank's share capital

  73. 18/11 13:46

    Ships docked in Greece on Saturday due to strong winds

  74. 18/11 12:59

    Greek PM visits supermarket and is briefed on 'permanent price reduction' initiative

  75. 18/11 10:50

    Event in Seoul marks 70th anniversary of Greece's participation in the Korean War

  76. 17/11 16:04

    UNWTO workshop promotes modern tourism communications for Africa

  77. 17/11 13:20

    Hellenic Professional Women organized Health and Wellness Event in New York

  78. 17/11 11:28

    FAITH Endowment offers 168 scholarships to top Greek American University Students

  79. 17/11 09:37

    Cyprus’ untapped business potential highlighted at event in New York City

  80. 16/11 18:57

    Toronto celebrates the twenty-fifth anniversary of its Theological Academy

  81. 16/11 17:09

    Greek FinMin presents 352-million-euro support package for 2.3 million citizens

  82. 16/11 15:00

    Gale force winds and temperature drop in Greece this weekend

  83. 16/11 14:04

    Prime Minister forecasts Gaza conflict will not greatly impact Greek tourism sector

  84. 16/11 13:53

    Changes in public transport of Athens on Friday

  85. 16/11 10:43

    Front Runners in Sports Management 5.0 comes with world-class sports names on December 7-9, 2023

  86. 15/11 20:02

    Saint Demetrios Cathedral of Astoria marks 96th Annual Gala in New York

  87. 15/11 19:06

    Greek budget recorded primary surplus of 6.084 billion euros in January-October

  88. 15/11 18:57

    Study in Greece conference: Higher education 'at crossroads of transformative journey'

  89. 15/11 11:14

    Energy Minister announces new measures to protect electricity consumers in Greece

  90. 14/11 20:58

    Greece to reopen 10-year bond issue for 200 million euros on Wednesday

  91. 14/11 19:46

    Road traffic restrictions to come into effect in downtown on Wednesday

  92. 14/11 18:54

    Council of Bars & Law Societies of Europe to organize two-day conference in Athens

  93. 14/11 16:40

    PM: New record in tourist arrivals this year, with German visitors preferring Greece

  94. 13/11 22:01

    Greece and Turkey agree to implement or reactivate CBM activity in 2024

  95. 13/11 18:07

    Greek Infrastructure & Transport Minister attends 2023 IBTTA Tolling Summit in Athens

  96. 13/11 10:46

    GNTO's General Secretary: Greek tourism season's extension strategy is bearing fruit

  97. 11/11 23:57

    UNWTO marks Qatar Tourism Awards to recognize excellence in sector

  98. 11/11 21:37

    25th Annual Capital Link Invest in Greece Forum on December 11 in NYC

  99. 11/11 15:40

    Greek PM: Government will use all available tools to keep food prices down

  100. 11/11 14:33

    Over 500,000 smart electricity meters installed in Greece by end of 2023