Her stay, her way: How Airbnb is changing the travel game for women
With the resurgence of travel after the pandemic, more women are seeking unique experiences as they embark on trips around the world. A survey by Airbnb revealed that in 2023, 30% of Indian women travelled solo, highlighting a growing trend in female travel independence. Platforms like Airbnb have facilitated the trend by offering opportunities to women to monetise their residences and provide personalised experiences to travellers. In an interview with Amanpreet Bajaj, general manager at Airbnb India, Southeast Asia, Hong Kong, and Taiwan, we explore how women are reshaping the travel landscape.
Can you provide insight into the evolving preferences of women travellers?
At Airbnb, we’ve witnessed a surge in women travellers. In 2023, popular domestic destinations in India included Goa, Bengaluru, Delhi-NCR, Pune, Dehradun and Jaipur. Internationally, cities such as London, Dubai, Toronto and Paris were favoured. Indian women, particularly millennials, are increasingly opting for Airbnb to indulge in localised experiences. Their accommodation preferences span national parks, iconic cities, tropical stays, private rooms and properties with pools, reflecting diverse interests. We empower these adventurous women with tailored stay options.
How does Airbnb collaborate with government bodies to promote women’s entrepreneurship, especially in under-represented regions or communities?
We provide economic opportunities through Airbnb by collaborating with government partners and local communities. Airbnb hosts serve as community pillars, driving microentrepreneurship, particularly promoting gender equality in underserved areas. We work closely with organisations, providing resources and platform tools to unlock the economic potential of their homes. Partnerships with associations such as the Self Employed Women’s Association (SEWA) in India have expanded livelihoods for rural women by enabling them to host travellers. Our collaboration with SHEROES in 2023 provided digital training to inspire and equip female members to start hosting on Airbnb.
How have women hosts impacted the overall Airbnb experience for travellers?
At Airbnb, we prioritise building an inclusive community that empowers our women hosts globally. Through hosting, women forge meaningful connections, bridging cultures and offering personalised experiences that immerse guests in local customs and traditions.
How does Airbnb financially empower their women host community?
In India, women hosts demonstrate remarkable entrepreneurial drive, representing nearly 30% of India’s Airbnb hosts. They collectively earned over ₹2 billion in 2023. This underscores their profound economic contribution, stimulating local economies and community growth. By offering unique experiences, they create job opportunities and empower underserved communities.
How does hosting on Airbnb contribute to the personal and professional growth of women hosts?
Many utilise hosting income to support themselves and their families while pursuing their passions. The flexibility and autonomy of hosting enable a better work-life balance, including exploration of new interests and selfdevelopment. Moreover, hosting cultivates essential entrepreneurial skills such as hospitality, customer service, and marketing, enhancing their abilities and creating new growth opportunities.