Pioneers of travel
Q: How does Airbnb contribute to local economies, job creation, and other sectors within the travel ecosystem? Airbnb helps people discover new places, distributing travel beyond traditional hotspots and channelling visitor spending to small businesses and communities that haven’t traditionally benefited from tourism. In Germany, we’ve observed a lasting shift toward rural, less crowded destinations with family stays as a major driver – Airbnb bookings by families increased by more than 250% between 2019 and 2024. We’re also proud that Airbnb helps people earn meaningful extra income by welcoming guests to their communities. The Airbnb host community has grown to more than 5 million hosts around the world, to whom hosting offers a flexible and accessible form of income, helping people to pay for expenses in uncertain times and beyond. In Germany, 30% of hosts said they rent out their place to fund renovations in their home. Q: What role does Airbnb play in helping smaller and emerging destinations gain visibility on the global stage? The majority of listings on Airbnb and the majority of Airbnb guest nights in the EU in 2024 were in locations outside of cities. In the long run, we believe stays on Airbnb have the power to revitalise rural communities, sustain cultural traditions and offer young people real incentives to stay or return. Many of these lesser-known places are home to exceptionally unique hosts and accommodations that appeal to travellers seeking distinctive, authentic experiences like staying in a cabin in the mountains or a house boat on the lake. Airbnb empowers hosts to showcase the places they call home and introduce guests to the natural beauty and character of destinations they might not otherwise consider. We also
Tourism, for everyone TRAVEL EXPERIENCES
Since its inception in 2007, Airbnb has transformed how people travel, connect, and experience the world. Today, the company is entering a new phase – expanding beyond home sharing into services, experiences, and even hotels. By enhancing offerings and making it easier to become a host, Airbnb is broadening access to travel while strengthening its economic impact on local communities. In this interview with ITB Global Travel Collection , Airbnb’s Co-Founder and Chief Strategy Officer, Nathan Blecharczyk , explains how Airbnb’s evolving model supports global growth, fosters inclusivity, and sets new standards for responsible, experience-driven travel.
88 | ITB GLOBAL TRAVEL COLLECTION
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