Indian women shine in hospitality sector, earn over ₹200 cr in 2023 via Airbnb

This International Women’s Day, Airbnb is celebrating the growing community of women hosts and female guests who play a vital role in the hospitality sector. Embracing this year’s International Women’s Day theme, ‘Inspire Inclusion’, Airbnb acknowledged the diverse and dynamic ways in which women leverage the platform to foster economic opportunities, inclusivity and entrepreneurship across India.

In 2023, women hosts in India, constituting nearly 30% of the country’s Airbnb hosting community, have been instrumental in creating unique guest experiences. Indian women hosts collectively earned over ₹200 crores in 2023, showcasing the profound impact of women in stimulating local economies and supporting community growth. These women not only offer exceptional experiences to travellers but also empower others by creating job opportunities, especially for those in underserved communities.

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Anooradha, a Superhost on Airbnb since 2017, shared her hosting journey, expressing fulfilment in engaging with like-minded individuals.

“I find great fulfilment in engaging with individuals who share similar interests and values. This passion prompted me to embark on my Airbnb journey seven years ago, initially hosting guests at the retreat nestled within our holiday home,” Anooradha said.

“While the supplementary income has certainly been beneficial, what truly resonates with me is the platform’s ability to foster meaningful connections with guests. These connections, in my view, are immensely empowering. For any women considering embarking on their own hosting venture, I encourage you to infuse your personal touch, warmth, and creativity in your home. This is what ultimately creates a memorable and distinctive experience for guests,” she added.

Sumana, another Superhost, shared her story of transitioning from a corporate job to becoming a full-time host, finding stability, peace, and financial independence through Airbnb.

“As a female residing in the vibrant city of Bhubaneswar, hosting on Airbnb has led me to a path of inner strength while pursuing my passions and garnering financial independence. Transitioning from a corporate job to becoming a full-time host has brought me immense stability and peace. It allows me to forge meaningful connections with guests from all over the country while immersing myself in their stories and experiences. The satisfaction of accommodating guests’ needs and witnessing their joy remains a heartwarming reward for me. I look forward to more such experiences to serve and connect with people and inspire more women to embark on this unique journey of strength and resilience,” Sumana said.

Talking about the role women are increasingly playing in enabling the platform and highlighting Airbnb’s dedication to fostering an inclusive, diverse, and equitable community, Amanpreet Bajaj, General Manager – Airbnb India, Southeast Asia, Hong Kong and Taiwan said, “Women play a vital role in fueling economies, by driving growth & social transformation. At Airbnb, we are committed to creating an inclusive, diverse, equitable community for our women Hosts & guests. Our commitment goes beyond supporting individual hosts; we also collaborate with government partners to ensure communities everywhere can thrive in our evolving travel landscape. By promoting safe, respectful, and welcoming spaces, Airbnb aims to empower women hosts and travellers alike, envisioning travel as a powerful tool for global empowerment and connection.”

On the other hand, Indian women travellers, particularly Millennials, are increasingly choosing Airbnb for their travel needs. In terms of choice of destinations for women guests, top domestic destinations domestically in 2023 included Goa, Bengaluru, Delhi NCR, Pune, Dehradun, and Jaipur while internationally, destinations like London, Dubai, Toronto, Paris, New York City, Milan, Rome, Bangkok were popular.

Last year, a large segment of the Indian women guests preferred to travel solo, or in duos. Infact, 30% of the Indian women guests travelled solo in 2023. National Parks, iconic cities, tropical, private rooms and pools were the most booked categories by Indian women guests in 2023.

Talking about travelling on Airbnb, Actor, Sayani Gupta said, “Over the past few years the ‘solo travel’ trend has been adopted by women all across India. For me personally, solo travel has always been my source of solace, with Airbnb consistently serving as my preferred travel companion. Airbnb is not just a place to stay but a gateway to embracing independence while forging new experiences and connections. As a frequent solo traveller, Airbnb has enabled me to explore the world through diverse accommodations, offering a unique lens on every journey, ensuring safety. This Women’s Day, I commend Airbnb’s commitment to providing comfort for avid female travellers like myself, while also empowering others with a platform to embark on their entrepreneurial journey as hosts.”

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