Airbnb opening door to women becoming tourism entrepreneurs
THIS Women’s month, it has never been more important to recognise the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women across the globe.
Data from Airbnb highlights how women especially have turned to host on the platform in order to become tourism entrepreneurs. According to the data, women hosts now make up 56% of Airbnb’s global host community, and an even higher proportion in South Africa, at 65%.
Airbnb also said women are embracing hosting at a higher rate than men, with 21% more women joining the platform than men in 2021.
“New women hosts earned approximately $1.1 billion on the platform in 2021, including approximately R62 million in South Africa. In fact, between January 1, 2010, and January 31, 2022, women hosts in South Africa have earned approximately R6bn collectively,” said Airbnb.
The online bed and breakfast platform, with global earnings of more than $12bn in 2021, said women are not also masters of hospitality, with responsive and clear communication, an emphasis on cleanliness, and incredible overall experiences.
In 2021, women hosts received a higher share of 5-star reviews (91%) than their male counterparts (89%).
Closer to home, Airbnb announced it was continuing to invest in empowering women to become tourism entrepreneurs with a new three-year commitment to address barriers to entry in the industry and to help rebuild a more inclusive and resilient domestic tourism economy.
The commitment, focused on infrastructure, training and investment, will see Airbnb expand its Airbnb Entrepreneurship Academy to more places, and work together with partners to provide at least 100 Airbnb Academy hosts and their communities with free wi-fi.
Each will become a wi-fi hot spot within their community, giving hundreds of others access.
Velma Corcoran, Airbnb lead, Middle East Africa, said with the rising cost of living, the economic benefits of hosting are more important than ever and they are committed to unlocking economic opportunities for women across South Africa, particularly in rural and township communities.