HERALD: How is Airbnb faring in India?
AMANPREET BAJAJ: We have around 24,000 homes registered on our platform all over the country and we have been growing at 3x. It has been very good and we expect to grow even further in the years ahead. We have forged partnerships with business and community stakeholders as well as decision makers to empower the home sharing sector. Through our partnership with Government of Gujarat we drive awareness about the platform, we organised sessions and workshops for the local community to sensitize them on our global hosting standards for potential hosts. Airbnb aims to dominate the Indian market and we have also tied up with the Maharashtra government and Andhra Pradesh in addition to Gujarat. India is a strategic country for us that has grown exponentially over the years. Experts predict that the Indian travel industry is set to pass the $40 billion mark by 2020. As we spread the footprint for Airbnb in India, our goal is to better our understanding about the local dynamics when it comes to travel and hospitality and make people aware of the benefits of home-sharing, making it extremely relevant for the Indian hosts and guests.
HERALD: How important is Goa in the Airbnb mix?
AB: It is the most important market for us. Airbnb has over 4000 listings in breathtaking locations across the State offering a wide variety of accommodation choices from apartments, to beach villas, to mansions whether you are travelling solo or with family and friends. Since 2015, Airbnb has witnessed phenomenal growth in Goa with, 515% increase in the total number of nights booked and 259% increase in the number of homes on the platform in Goa. Goa as a destination has grown in popularity every passing year with visitor numbers increasing by 19.5% in domestic and international visitors to over 6.3 million visitors as of 2016. On Airbnb it is the most popular destination for foreigners from countries as diverse as Germany, England and Australia. The visitor now wants to increasingly stay with locals and experience life like a local.
HERALD: Do you intend to have a similar tie up with the Goa government?
AB: Well we are talking with the State government.
HERALD: You have this book which is being launched, could you provide further details?
AB: Goa has something for everyone and the Airbnb Goa Insider’s Guide helps travelers explore the best of Goa, whether it’s the rich art and culture with celebrated artist and founder of the Museum of Goa, Subodh Kerkar, a deep dive into Goan nightlife with acclaimed food and lifestyle writer Nolan Mascarhenas or a fashion fix with fashion designer Wendell Rodricks. It might even be an exploration of hidden gems of Goa with legendary ad filmmaker and photographer Shantanu Sheorey or the chance to savour best local cuisine recommended by model turned Chef Joey Matthews. With the launch of the Airbnb Goa Insider’s Guide, Airbnb is giving curious travelers the chance to soak in the experience of living like a local, by offering them unprecedented access to homes and hearts which best embody the spirit of Goa. The villas, mansions, and homes curated in this Guide are a breathtaking combination of Goan heritage and modern day amenities, accompanied by insights from local experts. Travelers can rediscover the hidden beauty of one of the most sought after vacation destinations in the country.
