The Impressive Growth of Airbnb in South Africa: Boosting the Local Economy and Tourism

Airbnb’s growth in South Africa has had a remarkable impact on the country’s economy and tourism industry, with its contribution to the GDP exceeding R23.5 billion in 2022 and creating over 50,000 jobs. Domestic travelers have been a significant factor in this growth, with 60% of total nights booked on the platform from locals. Airbnb’s pledge to support non-profit organizations demonstrates its commitment to promoting sustainable tourism and fostering stronger communities.

Since its launch in 2015, Airbnb, the global online marketplace for lodging, has been rapidly growing in South Africa. A recent report from Genesis Analytics reveals that Airbnb’s contribution to South Africa’s GDP exceeded R23.5 billion in 2022, more than double its impact in 2019. This remarkable growth has led to the creation of over 50,000 jobs, significantly boosting the local economy and tourism sector.

Domestic Travellers Boosting Tourism

The surge in domestic travelers has been a significant factor in the growth of tourism in South Africa, with more than 60% of total nights booked on Airbnb’s platform being from domestic travelers. Velma Corcoran, Airbnb Regional Lead for Middle East Africa, expressed her delight, stating that “more South Africans are benefiting from increasingly local and inclusive tourism.”

Impressive Host Earnings and Increased Bookings

In 2022, nationwide host earnings amounted to over R4 billion, with an average host earning around R32,500. South Africans booking their stays on Airbnb increased by 34% compared to 2019, with a survey revealing that 47% of guests chose Airbnb over alternatives to save money, up from 34% in 2021. Additionally, 53% of hosts listed their accommodation on Airbnb to cope with rising living costs.

Female Hosts and Fastest-Growing Cities

Interesting statistics show that 64% of Airbnb hosts in South Africa are female, higher than the platform’s worldwide 55% share of female hosts. The fastest-growing cities in Airbnb bookings include Mafube in Free State, Impendle and AbaQulusi in KwaZulu-Natal, Nala in North West, Witzenberg in Western Cape, Emalahleni and Chief Albert Luthuli in Mpumalanga, Hantam in Northern Cape, and Mahikeng in North West.

Airbnb’s Pledge to Empower Non-Profit Organizations

In a bid to give back to the community, Airbnb has pledged $500,000 (approximately R9,549,750) to support non-profit organizations (NPOs) with digital access for sustainability. The announcement came during the Africa Travel Summit in Johannesburg, where the company unveiled its plans to provide digital support to NPOs. Corcoran emphasized that the pledge represents Airbnb’s commitment to fostering a sustainable, diverse, and inclusive tourism industry.

Collaboration with Local Stakeholders

In the coming months, Airbnb plans to collaborate with local stakeholders to identify deserving organizations for awards and grants. Corcoran stated that “We look forward to working together with governments, non-profits, and tourism organizations across Africa to make tourism and hosting more accessible, safe, diverse, and affordable for everyone.”

Airbnb’s growth in South Africa has had a transformative impact on the local economy and tourism sector, creating numerous job opportunities for locals. Furthermore, Airbnb’s pledge to support non-profit organizations demonstrates its dedication to promoting sustainable tourism and fostering stronger communities. As the company continues to expand, it will be interesting to see the ripple effects of its growth on South Africa and the broader African continent.

1. How has Airbnb’s growth impacted South Africa’s economy and tourism sector?

Airbnb’s growth has had a remarkable impact on South Africa’s economy and tourism sector, with its contribution to the GDP exceeding R23.5 billion in 2022 and creating over 50,000 jobs.

2. Who are the main contributors to Airbnb’s growth in South Africa?

Domestic travelers have been a significant factor in Airbnb’s growth in South Africa, with more than 60% of total nights booked on the platform being from locals.

3. What are the earnings of Airbnb hosts in South Africa?

In 2022, nationwide host earnings amounted to over R4 billion, with an average host earning around R32,500.

4. What is Airbnb’s pledge to support non-profit organizations in South Africa?

Airbnb has pledged $500,000 to support non-profit organizations with digital access for sustainability, reflecting the company’s commitment to promoting sustainable tourism and fostering stronger communities.

5. What are the fastest-growing cities in Airbnb bookings in South Africa?

The fastest-growing cities in Airbnb bookings include Mafube in Free State, Impendle and AbaQulusi in KwaZulu-Natal, Nala in North West, Witzenberg in Western Cape, Emalahleni and Chief Albert Luthuli in Mpumalanga, Hantam in Northern Cape, and Mahikeng in North West.