EP162: This Week in the World of Airbnb - a podcast by Jasper Ribbers

Welcome! Making people feel comfortable and accepted is a focus of Airbnb, and one of the initiatives aligned with this goal is the Open Homes platform. In an announcement this week, the company revealed its intention to house 100,000 refugees in the next five years – 35,000 in Greece alone.

Jasper welcomes Glenn Carter, Director of Marketing at Hostfully, to discuss the Open Homes announcement as well as Airbnb’s rollout of a new in-app tool for check-in. They also cover several stories of governments welcoming the economic boost Airbnb provides, while setting parameters regarding its use. Recent headlines include the legalization of Airbnb in Japan, very positive data out of Michigan, and new rules around short-term rentals in Toronto.

A new startup called Misterb&b specifically welcomes LBGTQ guests, and our co-hosts debate the pros and cons of niche players fragmenting the market. Jasper and Glenn wrap up with a new Q&A segment that welcomes questions from Airbnb hosts. Listen in to learn how you might convince hesitant family members to list on Airbnb, and how establishing a three-night minimum stay might affect your ranking in search results. Email your questions to jasper@getpaidforyourpad.com!

Topics Covered

Article #1: Introducing a New Way to Check In
•Airbnb adding check-in instructions tool
•Hosts opt-in to provide clear, visual, in-app guides re: arrival
•Provide info once, all guests have access

Article #2: Toronto Proposes New Rules for Short-Term Rentals, Including Airbnb Properties
•Must rent out primary residence
•Crack down on commercial operators
•Good to clarify legal grey area

Article #3: Airbnb Gets the Legal Green Light in Japan
•Registered hosts allowed to rent up to 180 days/year
•Most popular market in Asia-Pacific region
•Boosted economy by $8.3B in 2016
•Hosting 2019 World Rugby Cup and 2020 Olympics

Article #4: Misterb&b Raises $8.5 Million to Build the Airbnb for the LGBTQ Community
•French startup with 100,000 hosts in 135 countries
•Argues that there is room for niche players
•If market too fragmented, could get messy

Article #5: This is How Airbnb Will House 100,000 Refugees in the Next Five Years
•Open Homes platform connects volunteers with refugee support organizations
•Vacation rental hosts specify cause, how often
•Airbnb in good position to help (3.5 million listings)
•6,000 active volunteers so far, half not existing Airbnb listings

Article #6: Airbnb to Help Host 35,000 Refugees in Houses Across Greece
•Working to find housing for asylum seekers
•Run in conjunction with Solidarity Now

Article #7: Home-Sharing Stimulates Michigan Economy
•Earned $25M through Airbnb in 2016
•Brought 188,000 visitors to state

Q1: How do I overcome family resistance to list on Airbnb?
•Familiarize family by staying in Airbnb as guests
•Encourage through podcast episodes of hesitant hosts who’ve had positive experiences
•Reassure of accountability measures via virtual tour of site (insurance, ratings)
•Demonstrate income potential with analytics tool like AirDNA

Q2: I want to establish a three-night minimum stay for my listing. Will I be penalized in search results?
•Airbnb doesn’t directly ‘punish’ hosts who establish such parameters
•Will result in fewer bookings/reviews, which does impact position in search results
•Best to start out with no minimum and earn crucial early reviews
•Once build reputation, then consider establishing two- or three-night minimum

Resources Mentioned
Article #1:press.atairbnb.com/introducing-a-new-way-to-check-in
Article #2: bnn.

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