City, Airbnb join forces

BRINGING tourism to townships to encourage economic and social empowerment is among the goals announced during the collaboration agreement between Airbnb and the city council yesterday.

In Cape Town there are 17 600 active listings on Airbnb, and hosts have earned a combined income of R762 million over the past 12 months.

Over the past year Airbnb hosts welcomed close to 290 000 visitors, which contributed about R2.4 billion to the city’s economy.

The typical host in Cape Town earns an additional R43 400 by sharing their home for 32 nights per year.

As part of the collaboration agreement, Airbnb and the City will, among others, work together to bring community-led tourism to townships and support greater socio-economic empowerment.

Mayor Patricia de Lille said, “The City of Cape Town is building an opportunity city that creates an enabling environment for inclusive economic growth and job creation.

“The sharing economy has the ability to welcome more Capetonians into the tourism sector, in line with our efforts to build an inclusive city as we welcome more Airbnb guests.”

Airbnb global head of public policy and public affairs Chris Lehane said Airbnb had so far partnered with more than governments across the world.

“People-to-people travel using Airbnb is bringing tourism benefits to local families and communities, and generates new revenue streams that stay right here in Cape Town.

“Airbnb has so far partnered with more than 300 governments across the world.

“While this is our first city collaboration in Africa, we want to work together with everyone to use technology to help spread more benefits across Africa.”