The Traveler’s Guide to Celebrating Thailand’s Festival of Lights (Loy Krathong) this November

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Thailand is set to sparkle this November as the country celebrates one of its most colourful and picturesque cultural festivals – Loy Krathong, also known as the Festival of Lights.

To celebrate the water goddess Phrae Mae Khongkha, millions of Thais float (loy) a little raft (krathong) commonly made from banana trunk and topped with flowers and candles. The krathongs carry the hopes, wishes, and gratitude of individuals, and represent the act of letting go of the old and ushering in the new.

Loy Krathong is celebrated nationwide every year, on the night of the full moon of the twelfth month of the Thai lunar calendar. The festival takes place on 27 November this year, and is a special occasion for both Thais and travellers who flock to the country for this dazzling festival.

Thailand was the #1 most visited country on Airbnb in Southeast Asia last year, with Bangkok the most visited city in the country. This Loy Krathong, Airbnb has already seen a 17 percent surge in international guests searching for a stay in Thailand*. The most popular destinations during this festive period are Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Pattaya, Phuket, Koh Samui, Hua Hin, Koh Pha Ngan and Krabi.** Many are flocking to The Land of Smiles for the end of year holidays – Airbnb has seen approximately an 88 percent spike in searches by China travellers for November-December travel to Thailand, and an over 15 percent increase in searches by Australian guests in the same period.***

If you’re thinking about visiting Thailand this holiday season, make it one to remember and join the festivities! Read on for Airbnb’s recommendations of the best destinations and places to stay to experience Loy Krathong.

Chiang Mai

Renowned for its mountains and lush forests, Chiang Mai in Thailand’s north is home to the traditional Lanna culture. Loy Krathong celebrations are marked by large ceremonies and illuminated temples and are held at the same time as the Yee Peng festival, where Thais release thousands of  paper lanterns (khom loi) into the night sky – making for a truly incredible sight.

Flowing through the heart of Chiang Mai province is the Ping River, a popular place amongst locals and visitors alike to float krathongs. Tha Phae Gate is another; located on the east side of the old city wall. The surrounding moat is a local favourite and popular gathering place, while Three Kings Monument in front of the old town hall has a lively atmosphere and attracts many to join in the activities.

You can’t leave Chiang Mai without trying the local delicacies, and there are many to choose from. Some must-tries are sai oua (a northern Thai sausage), nam ngiao (sour and spicy noodles with tomato soup), and the always popular khao soi (creamy coconut curry with crispy noodles).

Bangkok

Thailand’s vibrant capital transforms every Loy Krathong, as the city embraces its cultural roots and traditions in a spectacle not to be missed. The main water artery of Bangkok, the Chao Phraya River, is a popular destination for visitors and locals to float krathongs and where you can join in the festivities against the backdrop of iconic landmarks such as Wat Arun. Alternatively, make your way to Wat Saket where you can enjoy a memorable Loy Krathong by one of Bangkok's oldest canals, Khlong Maha Nak, and explore the iconic Golden Mount nearby.

A short stroll from the Chao Phraya is the hip neighbourhood of Song Wat – recently voted  one of the world’s 40 coolest neighbourhoods in 2023 by TimeOut – with an eclectic mix of art galleries and historical buildings to explore. While exploring Bangkok, don’t forget to try the city’s food offerings, from street food vendors offering Thai staples such as pad thai and pad krapow, to markets such as Jodd Fair and Michelin-starred eateries.

Phuket

There’s much more to Phuket than meets the eye. Famous for its beaches and islands, Phuket is steeped in history, and dotted with temples and shrines making for a unique Loy Krathong experience with an island-style vibe. There are more than 30 beaches where locals often float their krathongs. Alternatively, explore some of the less touristy and equally popular spots, such as Sapan Hin Lake and Suan Luang Park in Phuket Town, or Nai Harn Lake in the south or Bang-Ma-Ruan Lake in the north.

When in Phuket, don’t miss the opportunity to enjoy some of the freshest seafood caught daily from the Andaman Sea. Delicious Southern dishes to try include kaeng som (sour and spicy soup), massaman (a flavourful, slightly sweet Thai curry) and kaeng tai pla (an intensely spicy curry with fermented fish). And while enjoying island life, don’t forget to explore the history and Sino-Portuguese architecture in Phuket Town.

Searching for your perfect stay this Loy Krathong? Here are a selection of unique Airbnb stays where you can enjoy the sights and sounds:

●     Bohemian Home, Chiang Mai - Unique home located in a local neighbourhood near Tha Phae Gate and Warorot market.

●     Mango Home No.1, Chiang Mai - Adjacent to Sunday Walking Street and Tha Phae Gate, the old city is within easy reach.

●     Funky Handmade House, Chiang Mai - Beautiful hand-crafted teak house nestled along the foothills of Doi Suthep mountain.

●     Canal House, Bangkok - Antique canal house on the Thonburi side (old capital city) of Bangkok.

●     Antique Colonial Luang Prasit Canal Home, Bangkok - Colonial-style teakwood house located on Bangkok Yai Canal.

●     Chic Loft, Bangkok - Artistic loft-style townhouse located in the vibrant Thonglor neighbourhood.

●     Bella Vista Panwa, Phuket - Stunning sea views from this bungalow in Ao Yon on Phuket’s east coast.

●     Pangolin Villa, Phuket - Private pool villa in the north of Phuket close to Nai Thon and Nai Yang beaches.

●     Duplex-Style Pool Villa, Phuket - Duplex pool villa with garden view, located in the popular northwest area of Phuket.

Note

*Based on internal Airbnb data on inbound guest searches for stays in Thailand for check-in in October 2023 vs check-in in November 2023.

** Based on internal Airbnb data on top destinations in Thailand booked this Loy Krathong (check-in between 24-30 Nov 2023).

*** Based on internal Airbnb data on inbound guest searches for stays in Thailand for check-in November-December 2022 vs check-in November-December 2023.

 

Note: All stays referenced are intended purely to inspire and illustrate. Airbnb does not recommend or endorse specific stay or experience listings on the Airbnb platform.

 

New report shows Airbnb contribution to the Philippines economy and jobs since post pandemic travel reshuffle

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●     Airbnb activities contributed USD$840 million (45.7 million pesos) to Gross Domestic Product and supported almost 103,800 jobs in the Philippines in 2022* alone. 

●     In 2022*, one in every 77 jobs in the tourism industry in the Philippines was associated with Airbnb.

●     Report also explores dispersal of tourism away from urban areas, and long-term stays driven by the emergence of flexible work arrangements since the pandemic.

 

New research from Oxford Economics found Airbnb is an important pillar of the Philippines’s tourism industry, with its activities contributing USD$840 million (45.7 million pesos) to Gross Domestic Product and supporting almost 103,800 jobs in the Philippines in 2022* alone.

The report, commissioned by Airbnb, found the platform played a crucial role in the Philippines tourism industry’s contribution to GDP and employment.

The report also highlighted the powerful multiplier effect Airbnb guest spending has within local communities. In 2022*, Airbnb guests spent a total of USD$876 million (47.7 million pesos) in the Philippines in areas like purchases in restaurants, retail stores, and on transportation.

It details the contribution made by Airbnb guests to domestic tourism across the nation. In 2022*, domestic Airbnb guest spending totalled USD$445 million (24.2 million pesos).

The report also explores two profound changes in travel behaviour since the pandemic: the dispersal of tourism away from urban areas, and long-term stays driven by the emergence of flexible work arrangements.

James Lambert, Director for Economic Consulting in Asia for Oxford Economics said, Airbnb has clearly played a major role in the resilience and rebirth of the Philippines travel and tourism sector in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic.

“Airbnb has been at the heart of some of the trends reshaping the nation’s travel and tourism industry, including the shift in travel away from cities and towards more rural communities, and the increase in demand for long-stay trips, exemplified by the live and work anywhere phenomenon, Lambert said.

Amanpreet Singh Bajaj, Airbnb’s General Manager for Southeast Asia, India, Hong Kong and Taiwan said, “The economic contribution to both GDP and jobs driven by travel on Airbnb in the Philippines has created powerful economic ripple effects that have enabled the growth of local businesses, such as shops, restaurants, bars, and cafes — which are often central to how travellers experience a destination — and created job opportunities for the locals.”

“The growth of the long-term stays segment since 2020 — enabled by flexible work policies and supported by Airbnb’s Live and Work Anywhere program — is helping destinations attract guests who stay longer and spend more per trip.

“Travel is now more dispersed, and so the economic benefits are being shared across more destinations, enabling a valuable economic contribution to rural and regional areas. This dispersal is being driven by Hosts on Airbnb and in turn creating economic opportunities for various communities.

“As destinations across the Philippines continue to recover, we are committed to partnering with governments and communities to rebuild their tourism economies in a way that is equitable, inclusive, and sustainable.”

*This report presents results for the twelve month period up to and including March 2023, referred to as 2022*, which represents the first full year after the reopening of international travel. Prevailing exchange rates at the time of study were applied, using proprietary data from Oxford Economics.

#StayForSummer for only Php 2,023 per night at these celebrity homes, exclusively on Airbnb : Grab the exciting opportunity to spend this summer with celebrity Airbnb Hosts Zsa Zsa Padilla, Mylene Dizon and Glaiza de Castro

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Summer travel is finally here! Excitement around summer continues to surge in the Philippines with searches for Airbnb Stays on the platform spiking by almost 400 percent year-on-year*, as Filipinos look forward to hitting the beach or mountains for a quick getaway with family and barkada.

This summer of 2023, Airbnb has partnered with three renowned Filipino celebrities-turned Airbnb Hosts to make their homes available for only Php 2,023 per night**!

From a private room in a luxurious villa in Quezon to bed and breakfasts in surf destinations La Union and Baler, celebrity Hosts Zsa Zsa Padilla, Mylene Dizon and Glaiza de Castro will warmly welcome you into their homes. Starting today, guests can book each celebrity’s Airbnb stay for an exclusive two-night stay for only Php 2,023 per night this May**, on these special dates:

●     Zsa Zsa Padilla’s Casa Esperanza – May 12 to 14

●     Mylene Dizon’s Surfstar Elyu Room 8 – May 19 to 21

●     Glaiza de Castro’s Casa Galura – May 26 to 28

“For Filipinos, summer is an amazing time to rediscover the rich wonders and beautiful destinations of the Philippines, while enjoying the iconic Filipino hospitality that our Hosts offer. We hope our #StayForSummer celebrity Host collaboration will encourage Filipinos to enjoy precious time with friends and family, and create meaningful summer memories together,” shares Amanpreet Bajaj, Airbnb’s General Manager for Southeast Asia, India, Hong Kong, and Taiwan.

What are you waiting for? Bookings open today, fastest fingers first!

May 12 to 14: Zsa Zsa Padilla’s Casa Esperanza

 

Nestled between swaying coconut trees and emerald rice paddies in the tranquil town of Lucban is Casa Esperanza, the beautiful weekend home of renowned singer-actress Zsa Zsa Padilla and her partner, famed architect Conrad Onglao. The villa offers guests an impeccably stylish and private getaway in the countryside.

“At Casa Esperanza, we warmly welcome groups and families seeking to create unforgettable memories. Take a refreshing dip in our saltwater pool, stroll through our lush garden, and savor the serenity of dining inside our greenhouse. We love seeing our guests refreshed and rejuvenated after spending a night or two in our home, and we can’t wait to host more guests on Airbnb this summer,” says Zsa Zsa.

May 19 to 21: Mylene Dizon’s Surfstar Elyu Room 8

You don’t have to be a surfer to enjoy La Union, which is full of hip coffee shops, delicious restaurants and exciting nightlife. But if you’re looking for a place with incredible views of the surf, check out actress-model Mylene Dizon’s Surfstar Elyu.

Mylene enjoys touring guests around and making them fall in love with Elyu, “We hope to make your stay as exciting and meaningful as when we first discovered this charming coastal town in the North. What was once a sleepy fishing village is now a buzzing vacation and surfing destination in the Philippines! We welcome our guests to join us and experience the incredible beauty and laidback lifestyle of La Union, with all the comforts of home.”

May 26 to 28: Glaiza de Castro’s Casa Galura

Singer-actress Glaiza de Castro’s gorgeous bed-and-breakfast opened just in time for the summer season. Located in the quiet town of Baler, Glaiza shared that the stay reminds her of her childhood and large family reunions. The home is spacious enough for large groups and features a pool, workout area and rooftop.

Similarly, she wants her guests to create memories with their loved ones that they can look back on in future. She shares, “I hope everyone who stays in Casa Galura will make fun memories in Baler. I want them to feel relaxed and at the same time, build a more solid connection with their loved ones and friends. Some people say you really get to know more about people when you travel together and I agree! Baler has so much to offer and we are here to share how best they can explore this beautiful place.”

 

*Based on internal Airbnb data

**Price is per night and does not include service fees

 

The one-and-only Hobbiton from The Lord of the Rings is now on Airbnb

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●     To celebrate the 10th anniversary of The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey, guests will be transported to Middle-earth™ with an exclusive overnight stay at the iconic Hobbiton Movie Set in New Zealand.

●     Fans will get the chance to live like Hobbits in the original filming location and explore the behind-the-scenes making of the film trilogies that have become an unexpected holiday classic.

For the first time ever, fans from around the world can explore the faraway lands of their favorite holiday films with an exclusive overnight stay at the original Hobbiton™ Movie Set. Russell Alexander is inviting guests to his family’s property to live like Bilbo Baggins and retreat to The Shire™ for an overnight stay at Hobbiton, as featured in the famed The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit film trilogies.

Nestled in the picturesque pastures of New Zealand’s Waikato region on a 2,500-acre working farm, the property’s rolling, green hills – bear a striking similarity to The Shire™ as described by J. R. R. Tolkien in The Lord of the Rings, and captivated Sir Peter Jackson’s movie scouts more than two decades ago. The team quickly realized the Hobbits had found their home – and this holiday season, it could be yours.

Alexander will host three individual two-night stays for up to four guests at NZD $10 per night* as an homage to the 10th anniversary of The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey, courtesy of Airbnb.

With access to 44 Hobbit Holes, The Millhouse, The Green Dragon Inn, and other beloved locations from the work of J.R.R. Tolkien, guests will take an unexpected journey into Middle-earth for an experience unlike any other.

With sweeping views of The Shire, they’ll enjoy:

●     Cozy overnight accommodation curated by the trilogies’ Creative Director Brian Massey, including a writing nook fit for Bilbo Baggins at The Millhouse.

●     Private access to a personal Hobbit Hole, set up for relaxing moments of Preciousss™  downtime and afternoon tea.

●     An evening banquet in The Green Dragon Inn with a feast featuring beef and ale stew, whole roast chickens, freshly baked breads and plenty of ale, plus Second Breakfast™ and Elevenses™ served daily.

●     A behind-the-scenes private tour of Hobbiton Movie Set

Now, one does not simply walk into Middle-earth. There are rules!

●     No unexpected parties, please –  unless with Gandalf and company.

●     Bare feet are allowed but wipe them first.

●     Magical rings permitted, but keep them secret, keep them safe.

●     Pony parking is provided only at The Green Dragon Inn.

●     Straying far at night is discouraged, thanks to multiple troll sightings of late.

●     No pets are allowed, except Pickles the resident Hobbiton cat.

●     Never laugh at live dragons…

“For more than two decades, we’ve welcomed millions of passionate fans to Hobbiton Movie Set, but never before has anyone had the opportunity to spend a night in Middle-earth. I am delighted to share the beauty of my family’s farm and pleased to be hosting this iconic location on Airbnb for fans from around the world,” shares Host Russel Alexander. 

How to book

Hobbits, elves, wizards and others may request to book one of three overnight stays on Wednesday, December 14 from 10:00AM NZDT/5:00AM PHT at airbnb.com/hobbiton. Stays will take place March 2-4, March 9-11, and March 16-18, 2023. You Shall Not Pass! (without requesting to book, of course).

To request to book, guests must have a verified Airbnb profile, a history of positive reviews and be aged 18+. Maximum occupancy is four persons. Two bedrooms are configured, featuring one queen bed, and the other two king-singles.

Guests are responsible for their own transportation to and from Auckland, New Zealand. Round trip car transportation will be provided for the two-hour journey between the airport and the property. (And just as a Wizard is never late, it’s important our guests arrive at their stay precisely when they mean to).

Travellers looking to book should note that this stay’s rules require strict adherence with local COVID-19 guidelines. Guests are responsible for their own travel to and from Auckland. Airbnb is closely monitoring COVID-19 infection rates and government policies and will offer booking guests a refund of the booking fee ($31) and $1,000 USD Airbnb travel credit if Airbnb determines it is necessary to cancel the stay due to COVID-19 guidelines.

*Plus taxes and fees. These three individual two-night stays are not a contest. The Hobbiton Movie Set is privately owned and operated.

_________________________________________________________________

SHIRE TOURS, SHIRE’S REST, MIDDLE-EARTH, GREEN DRAGON, HOBBITON, THE HOBBIT and THE LORD OF THE RINGS and the characters, places, events and items contained therein, are trademarks or registered trademarks of Middle-Earth Enterprises, LLC and are used under license by Rings Scenic Tours Limited and Wingnut Film Productions Limited, which are independently owned and operated.

About Hobbiton Movie Set

From the moment you journey through the rolling green hills of the Waikato and get your first glimpse of real Middle-earth™, Hobbiton Movie Set will enchant you as a fictional world comes to life and captivating stories are shared. Since that fateful knock at the door in 1998, to the permanent reconstruction in 2009, every detail of the 12-acre movie set is lovingly maintained, creating the experience that exists today. Guests from around the world will feel welcomed to our slice of New Zealand countryside with iconic storybook landscapes, where each encounter offers a unique and authentic behind-the-scenes movie set experience.

About Airbnb

Airbnb was born in 2007 when two Hosts welcomed three guests to their San Francisco home, and has since grown to over 4 million Hosts who have welcomed more than 1 billion guest arrivals in almost every country across the globe. Every day, Hosts offer unique stays and experiences that make it possible for guests to connect with communities in a more authentic way.

https://news.airbnb.com/philippines

Hosting on Airbnb gains momentum in the Philippines amidst growing appetite for travel

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●     New Airbnb survey shows that over half of all FIlipinos polled are interested in becoming Airbnb Hosts to take advantage of the new appetite for travel

●     Filipinos are embracing flexible travel, with 65 percent saying they are now more flexible with their holiday type and travel dates

As the holiday season awaits and the travel rebound continues to unfold, more Filipino travelers are embracing flexible travel while more homeowners turn to hosting on Airbnb for additional income. A new survey commissioned by Airbnb* reveals that over half of Filipinos polled expressed interest in becoming Airbnb Hosts to take advantage of the new appetite for travel.

Around the world, Airbnb has seen strong growth rates of  new Hosts, especially in countries with high inflation rates. Notably, 77 percent of Filipinos polled said they were looking for ways to offset rising costs of living. The survey also shows that desire for travel remains high, with over a quarter of respondents saying that they will continue to find ways to travel even if general costs of living rise.

In a trend that started since the pandemic, millions are now enjoying their newfound freedom to live and work anywhere. Notably, 65 percent of Filipinos polled said that they are now more flexible in terms of their type of holidays and time of travel. Notably, of those who plan to travel within the next year, 1 in 4 Filipinos said they plan to travel without set dates.

This new approach to travel and living continues to shape the choice of accommodation among Filipino travellers. When asked about factors that influence when and how they travel:

●     Almost half indicated they are likely to travel if they can find accommodation that makes longer stays easy and comfortable

●     35% pointed to destinations offering unique styles of accommodations

●     25% prioritised access to amenities that make it easy to combine remote work with travel, such as a dedicated workspace and a fast, reliable internet connection

This growing appetite for travel among Filipinos puts homeowners in a unique position to take advantage of the Airbnb Setup, the all-new easy way to Airbnb one’s home which was announced early this month. In Q3, Pasay ranked as the #1 trending domestic destination for Filipino guests on Airbnb, followed by El Nido, Cebu City, Paranaque, and Iloilo City.**

Amanpreet Bajaj, Airbnb’s General Manager for Southeast Asia, India, Hong Kong and Taiwan, said the fundamental shifts towards long-term stays and flexible travel point to the increasingly important role that short-term accommodations (STRA) like Airbnb play in the new era of travel.

“This growing appetite for travel is a positive sign as tourism recovery gathers pace. More keenly, this is an opportune moment for aspiring Filipino entrepreneurs to Airbnb their homes and earn additional income to mitigate rising living costs or support their travels,” he added.

* Online survey of 1063 respondents in the Philippines commissioned by Airbnb and conducted by YouGov between 6-12 October 2022

**  Based on increase in searches of destinations (minimum 1,000)  in Q3 2021

From traditional ryokans to manga-themed stays: Top 10 most wishlisted Airbnb Stays for your next trip to Japan

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It’s time to include Japan on your travel destination list! The Land of the Rising Sun fully reopened for visa-free, individual travel earlier this month and the Japanese Embassy in the Philippines has announced that they are now accepting applications for all visas.

According to latest data from an Airbnb survey conducted among Filipinos this October, 9 in 10 Filipino adults intend to travel to Japan when they are able to and 45 percent ranked Japan their number one travel wishlist destination. The data also showed that 71 percent of Filipino respondents would like to visit a major city in Japan. Approximately a third indicated that having a unique accommodation was important when traveling to Japan.*

Airbnb has further revealed the top searched destinations in Japan by global travelers on the platform:**

1. Osaka

2. Tokyo

3. Shinjuku

4. Shibuya

5. Fukuoka

6. Kyoto

7. Taito

8. Sapporo

9. Okinawa

10. Niseko

Amanpreet Bajaj, Airbnb’s General Manager for Southeast Asia, India, Hong Kong and Taiwan, said, “We greatly welcome the lifting of Japan’s travel restrictions, as it is an extremely popular destination for international travelers including Filipinos. We know that many are excitedly gearing up to plan holidays for the end-of-year festive season and next year.”

Whether you want to immerse yourself in the buzzy vibes of downtown Tokyo, indulge in Osaka’s incredible culinary scene, or go off-the-beaten-track and discover something new in lesser known but equally beautiful regions like Tohoku — Japan definitely has something to offer for every type of traveler. To help you plan your much-awaited adventure, here are Airbnb’s top 10 most globally wishlisted stays in Japan.*** Dou itashimashite!

For a taste of Japanese living

● [Private room] An old folk house guest house with a goat! Equipped with Wi-Fi - Matakitai (Iwate)

● [Inn house] Yanagi-dori west wing Asakusa A modern Japanese-style luxury house with an open-air bath limited to two people (Tokyo)

For an eccentric yet exciting experience

● Handmade strawbale house Tida House (Hokkaido)

● MANGA design, all-you-can-read comics, 1 bed, free snacks included, free WIFI [Hotel Tavinos Kyoto] (Kyoto)

For the minimalist enthusiast

● 4beds in Tokyo/3min. from the station : Studio B (Tokyo)

● 【Ginza/Tokyo area】 Junior Suite (Free Wi-Fi) (Tokyo)

● YANAKA SOW STANDARD TWIN (Tokyo)

● [Shinagawa Oimachi] Good access to the airport and Shinkansen! A stylish designer hotel that can be used for both business and travel (Tokyo)

For some off-grid exploration

● Enjoy the superb view of Lake Nojiri, a detached house with private sauna Anoie (Nagano)

● Elegant, secluded cabin for couples & families (Nagano)

As travel returns, Airbnb recently announced an exciting new partnership with MUJI Japan to renovate empty homes, shopfronts and government-owned real estate to drive new and creative types of travel accommodation in towns across the country. To start, both parties are converting accommodation owned by Shimizu-cho, Hokkaido into unique stays for travelers – with two MUJI-designed and styled homes now bookable exclusively on Airbnb here and here. Both feature local Hokkaido timber furniture and MUJI-branded tableware, cooking utensils, and home appliances.

*Based on data from a YouGov survey commissioned by Airbnb, that polled 1063 respondents in the Philippines between 6-12 October 2022.

**Based on guest locations that generated the most searches for Japan on the day of the

Japanese government’s announcement, 23 September.

***Based on most wishlisted listing data from Sept 1 - Sept 22, 2022. All Homes referenced are intended purely to inspire and illustrate. Airbnb does not recommend or endorse specific Home listings on the Airbnb platform.