• This International Women’s Day, Airbnb celebrates its female host community
• 53% of listings in Hong Kong are hosted by women
• In 2019, female hosts have earned nearly $15 billion globally and over $30 million in Hong Kong
• Globally, 83% of female hosts earned 5-star reviews, with over 40% based in Asia Pacific
Hong Kong – March 05, 2020 – Coinciding with International Women’s Day, Airbnb, the leading diverse accommodation and experiences marketplace, today launched #HostWithHer, a campaign celebrating female hosts in Hong Kong and the rest of the region.
Since 2008, Airbnb’s community of women has been creating meaningful connections and fostering transformative experiences through travel, with women making up more than half of Airbnb’s host community globally (54%). In Hong Kong, 53% of listings are hosted by women, as well as 55% of experiences. Taiwan welcomed the third highest percentage of women guests globally (57%), hosting over 490,000 women guests in 2019 alone.1
#HostWithHer highlights the the important role of women in Airbnb’s growing community as they discover the joy of hosting and working towards creating a gender equal world with thriving economies and communities. In line with the campaign launch, Airbnb has unveiled a dedicated #HostWithHer campaign at https://www.airbnb.com.sg/d/hostwithher?_set_bev_on_new_domain=1606280516_OWQ4ZTg0NmZkMmUw. The page features inspiring stories from a diverse array of female hosts around the Asia Pacific region and includes recommendations for women-powered Airbnb Stays and Experiences.
Empowered Female Hosts on the Rise
The opportunities available on the Airbnb platform has led to the rise of female hospitality entrepreneurs who are passionate about driving a meaningful tourism industry, powered by technology.
Championing the mission of belonging, Airbnb’s platform enables women to achieve greater financial, professional, and social empowerment through digital tourism. Globally, female hosts earned nearly $15 billion in 2019, while in Hong Kong they earned over $30 million2. A sizable number of our 2019 global community of women hosts (21%) said they consider hosting their primary occupation, with 54% of that group reporting their earnings have helped them grow their business, and more than half of them said they see it as a lifeline for their own welfare: 51% said the money from hosting has allowed them to stay in their homes.3
Women Hosts Win with 5-star Reviews
When it comes to creating connections with guests, female hosts are also known to go the extra mile. This trend is reflected globally as 83% of female hosts worldwide earned 5-star reviews, with an average review of 4.77 stars. In Hong Kong and the rest of the region, hospitality is second nature – of all women hosts who received 5-star reviews in 2019, over 40% of them were based in Asia Pacific.4
Interesting statistics on the Airbnb female community
• Countries/ regions with the highest percentage of female Home hosts: Jersey (68%), New Zealand (64%), Cook Islands (62%)
• Countries/ regions with the highest percentage of female Experience hosts: Ukraine (61%), Russia (58%), New Zealand (57%), United Kingdom (57%)
• Countries/ regions with the highest percentage of female travelers: Cook Islands (60%), Philippines (59%), Taiwan (57%)
• Female solo travel continues to be a growing trend: It’s set to grow by 35% in 2019, accounting for 15% of overall female travel
• Professional women in power: More than 663,000 business trips were made by female guests in 2019
• Women hit pause on the daily grind: 24,000 reviews mentioned using Airbnb for momcations and mom getaways
• Girls bond over travel: 62,000 reviews mentioned using Airbnb for girls trips
Gina Tsai, Airbnb’s Head of Public Policy for Hong Kong and Taiwan said, “This International Women’s Day, we are delighted to celebrate the incredible stories and milestones of our female hosts, who represent over half of our host community in Hong Kong. Women around the world are using their income gained through Airbnb in various ways – from helping send their kids to school, to pursuing their passions, to giving them a chance to live an independent lifestyle. We’re looking forward to joining hands with more female hosts so they can continue empowering themselves and living life on their own terms.”
Hayley Lyla, an Airbnb Experiences host and Creative Consultant from Hong Kong shares, “I started my road to hosting various experiences on Airbnb two years ago, ranging from tours to traditional fabric markets to exploring exceptional bars at night. I’m on a mission to reveal the authentic Hong Kong culture to travellers.”
