Airbnb encourages Pinoys to #TravelAsJuan, as travel searches surge for beachside and nature destinations near Metro Manila

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●     New Airbnb data shows spike in domestic demand for stays after recent easing of travel restrictions; trending destinations include Zambales, Batangas and Tagaytay

●     More Filipinos are searching for getaways lasting a week or longer, at family-friendly villas
and bed and breakfasts

Manila, Philippines,  October 2021 - Airbnb launched its new #TravelAsJuan campaign that aims to energize the Philippines’s tourism recovery throughout the remainder of 2021 and beyond. As part of the campaign, the company is encouraging Filipinos to rediscover their country with their loved ones, while celebrating unique stays and hidden gems across the nation. The #TravelAsJuan campaign also aligns with the Department of Tourism’s 2022 plan to rebuild a sustainable, resilient, and inclusive domestic tourism industry

Responding to the Department of Tourism’s call for Filipinos to become “Ambassadors of Fun”, Airbnb’s #TravelAsJuan will work closely with its community of #AirbnbJuanderers including Filipino Hosts and local content creators. They will shine a light on the country’s off-the-beaten-path destinations, from lesser-known beaches to mountainous getaways and farms, as well as tips for safer travel. The campaign will kickstart by highlighting destinations where intra- and inter-state travel are currently allowed and expand to cover more destinations as more cities and provinces reopen.

 Airbnb is already seeing surging interest in domestic stays as Filipinos look forward to traveling with the platform once more, following the recent easing of travel restrictions. In September, searches for Airbnb Stays in Zambales spiked by over 100% month-over-month* after the government announced travel rules allowing Metro Manila residents to travel to areas under more relaxed quarantine rules. In the same period, searches for Airbnb Stays in Batangas and Tagaytay also almost doubled month-over-month*.

Beachside and nature destinations, especially locations within driving distance of Metro Manila, remain popular among Filipinos. Zambales and Batangas, both popular for their beaches and coves, along with nature-based destinations Tagaytay, Pampanga, and Baguio, are currently the top five trending destinations among Filipino guests on Airbnb. This follows key findings from a YouGov survey conducted earlier in the year, which found that Filipinos want to travel to nature retreats and places within driving distance once they can get back on the road.

The easing of travel restrictions has spurred Filipinos to quickly plan for upcoming trips with their family and loved ones. While Filipino guests on Airbnb are largely searching for Stays with a duration of 1-6 nights, there is a growing trend towards longer domestic getaways of one week and longer, to make up for the past year spent at home. Larger family-friendly Stays are also increasing in popularity, as Filipino guest searches for villas and bed-and-breakfasts spiked by more than 50% month-over-month*. 

As Filipinos eagerly make their travel plans, Gen Zs and Millennials who make up 68% of Airbnb’s community of new Hosts who came onboard the platform in the first half of this year are looking forward to welcoming fellow Pinoys into their homes**.

Amanpreet Bajaj, General Manager for India, Southeast Asia, Hong Kong, and Taiwan, Airbnb shares: “Filipinos are eagerly anticipating the return of domestic travel, and search trends on Airbnb indicate a strong, positive uptick in travel sentiment as restrictions ease. With our wide variety of unique stays hosted by locals across the Philippines, Airbnb offers something for everyone through our #TravelasJuan campaign, which highlights the wonderful places, experiences and communities that make the Philippines such an incredible place to experience for both locals and visitors alike. Airbnb is committed to being a good partner to the government to rejuvenate the country’s tourism sector; and help drive travel that is more diverse, resilient, and empowering for more people and communities than ever before.”

Safety remains a priority

Health and safety remain a top priority for travelers as they search for upcoming travel accommodation. To that end, Airbnb introduced the Enhanced Clean protocol in June last year, the first overarching standardized guidelines for cleaning and sanitization in the home-sharing industry. Endorsed by the World Travel and Tourism Council, the protocol helps guide Hosts across the Philippines to provide safer and cleaner accommodation for guests.

Airbnb also recently announced a partnership with global provider Sherpa, an online tool that provides travelers with real-time travel information on their destinations. Travelers can access information on COVID-19 related requirements including testing, quarantining and social distancing guidelines. This will help guests plan their trips more effectively as they continue to navigate the ever-changing landscape of COVID-19 regulations.

Note:

*Based on internal Airbnb guest search data in September 2021, as compared to August 2021.

**Based on internal Airbnb data from January to June 2021.

 

Gen Z and Millennial Airbnb Hosts in the Philippines leading the way for inclusive tourism recovery

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As the Philippines begins to relax domestic travel restrictions, Airbnb continues to steadily navigate the Covid-19 pandemic with hundreds of new local Hosts joining the platform in the first six months of 2021.

Latest Airbnb data shows over 68% of all new Filipino Hosts in H1 2021 are Gen Zs and millennials aged 18-40

The company announced today that Filipino Gen Zs and millennials are the driving force behind Airbnb’s growing community of Hosts in the Philippines, with over 68% of new Airbnb Hosts in H1 2021 comprising Gen Zs and millennials aged between 18 and 40*.

Despite hosting during small windows of opportunities due to the start-stop order of travel restrictions between January to June, new Filipino Hosts have collectively earned over PHP 21 million welcoming guests on Airbnb. Metro Manila, Tagaytay, and Metro Cebu also emerged as the top cities where new Airbnb Hosts are hosting*.

Tourism is a significant contributor to the Philippine economy and employment. In 2019, research from Oxford Economics revealed that Filipino Airbnb Hosts contributed USD 1 billion to the country’s GDP and supported over 160,000 jobs. Guests on Airbnb spent over USD 930 million, representing 1.2% of the country’s total tourism spending in the same year**.

Through the pandemic, hosting has emerged as an important economic lifeline for many Filipinos to make ends meet and support their families. A Q1 2021 survey by Airbnb reveals that 57% of Filipino Hosts polled said the income they’ve earned through hosting has helped them to stay in their homes, and over half said they want to find more ways to host with Airbnb. Over a third of Filipino Hosts also said they share recommendations with guests on their favourite local restaurants and businesses within their community***.

“This year’s World Tourism Day calls for more inclusive growth that advances prosperity for more communities and drives more sustainable development. It’s a call for our tourism industry to reset and rebuild tourism in a way that benefits more people and communities than ever before. As more Filipinos turn to hosting with Airbnb to support themselves and their families during this time of need, we remain fully committed to empowering our Hosts to provide unique, family-friendly, and clean, responsible travel,” shares Amanpreet Bajaj, General Manager for Southeast Asia, India, Hong Kong and Taiwan.

Earlier this year, Airbnb introduced more than 100 upgrades across its platform, including a new simplified 10-step process for anyone to become a Host. It also launched seven Host clubs this year across the Philippines to empower Hosts to connect, collaborate and support each other as well as their local communities, by sharing advice and best practices on hosting. During the pandemic, Airbnb launched its Airbnb Enhanced Clean protocol, an industry-first set of cleaning and sanitisation standards designed with guidance from the World Health Organization and the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to ensure peace of mind for the community.

The company continues to support and strengthen the communities its Hosts call home, amidst the unprecedented changes brought about by the pandemic. In June, Mercy in Action, Childhope Philippines Foundation, Inc., Haligi ng Bata, Inc. and Reach Out and Feed Philippines were amongst the first 150 grant recipients of the inaugural Airbnb Community Fund, which will distribute US$100 million over 10 years to organizations around the world.

*Based on internal Airbnb data from January to June 2021.

**The Economic Impact of Airbnb in the Philippines: An Independent Report by Oxford Economics (August 2020)

***Based on an Airbnb survey from Feb 1, 2021 to Mar 3, 2021.

Planning a Siargao getaway? Stay with these Airbnb Superhosts for the ultimate island experience

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 Whether you’re staying for the weekend or for a month, Airbnb’s Siargao Superhosts will ply you with tips and tricks on how to live like a local

The Philippines is home to more than 7,000 islands and it’s no surprise that some of the world’s most beautiful beach destinations can be found in the archipelago. While Boracay, Palawan and Cebu are well known amongst beach lovers and island hoppers, Siargao has been quietly making a name for itself. This year, Time Magazine hailed the surfing paradise as one of the World’s Greatest Places in 2021, alongside 99 other extraordinary destinations to explore.

Once an undiscovered hideaway for surfing enthusiasts, Siargao is now a growing tourist destination that has retained its quintessential island charm. The unique community fostered between locals, business owners, and tourists is what makes the Siargao experience so appealing — its one-of-a-kind energy draws guests back time and time again.

First-time visitors may be overwhelmed by the wide variety of activities to explore, restaurants to try and breathtaking scenery to capture. But fret not! Siargao is home to amazing Airbnb Hosts who go the extra mile to provide you with tips and tricks on how to live like a local, whether you’re planning to stay for the weekend or for a couple of months.

Tarzan’s Treehouse hosted by Julio and Cyd

Tarzan’s Treehouse is a passion-driven eco-friendly project by Hosts Julio and Clyd. Built mainly with natural materials including wood, bamboo and nipa, the treehouse offers floor-to-ceiling windows providing breathtaking views of the sea and lush palm trees all around. From the cosy hammock to attic bedroom and outdoor patio, guests will truly enjoy exploring every nook and cranny. What’s more, Julio and Clyd have jotted down a list of  their favourite local suggestions including top restaurants, motor bike rentals and airport transfers in a small notebook awaiting you in the treehouse.

Modern Tropical Home hosted by Cecile and Mark

Nestled halfway between General Luna and Cloud 9, this beautiful two-storey residence hosted by Hosts Cecile and Mark is both comfortable and stylish, and comes furnished with a lounge, fully-equipped kitchen and dining room, and a gallery style loft bedroom with a spacious work desk on the second floor. Cecile and Mark live just next door, and are quick to attend to any guest requests and provide you with freshly picked coconuts daily. On top of it all, the stay comes with two of the friendliest dogs — Mowgli and Baloo — who can accompany you on long walks along the beach!

Native Beachfront Cabana hosted by Grace

Surrounded by palm trees and beautiful scenery, this rustic cabana is the perfect spot for family get-togethers. Enjoy private access to a secluded beach away from the hustle and bustle of Siargao, and gorgeous sea views at dawn and dusk. Host Grace and her family cook delicious local meals for their guests too, leaving you with a unique experience you’ll never forget.

Triangle Palms Native Villa hosted by Edward

 

Designed to resemble a traditional Filipino home, Triangle Palms’ villas will provide guests with a memorable experience filled with lush greens and birds chirping, and leave the place feeling rejuvenated. Host Edward will also provide you with a list of the best restaurants and attractions around the island, and arrange personalized island tours for a truly unforgettable island experience!

Mao Mao Surf hosted by Marco & Chara

 

Mao Mao Surf’s eco-friendly jungle huts come equipped with modern tropical interiors and surfboards for beach-loving guests. Situated just five minutes away from popular surf spots and restaurants but still far enough from the noise, guests can enjoy a cozy bonfire under the stars. Hosts Marco and Chara will serve up delicious breakfast every morning, and hook you up with awesome surf trainers for some serious wave lessons!

Airbnb hosts like Julio and Cyd, Cecil and Mark, Grace, Edward and Marco and Chara are sharing their places, stories and love for Siargao with the world through hosting. These Siargao Hosts, together with Airbnb’s community of passionate Hosts, are dedicated to creating a world where anyone can belong anywhere, providing healthy travel that is local, authentic, diverse, inclusive and sustainable.

These Hosts have also all committed to Airbnb’s 5-step Enhanced Clean process, a set of standards developed in partnership with experts to ensure safety and peace of mind for guests.

For anyone interested in hosting with Airbnb and opening their homes to the world, Airbnb’s new platform upgrades have made it easier for anyone who wants to host. To explore more about hosting with Airbnb, get started at http://www.airbnb.com/host.

 

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.

Airbnb unveils new tool enabling guests to check WiFi speed in listings before booking

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As the work-from-anywhere trend continues, being able to determine a listing’s WiFi speed before booking is a key feature for digital nomads

After a year into the pandemic, most office workers in the Philippines have realized one thing: you don’t need to work out of an office cubicle. Some who have grown weary of being cooped indoors are now catching up with what digital nomads have been doing for a while - calling beachside villas, mountain cabins and countryside stays their new offices.

As the flexibility to work and live from anywhere continues to grow, being able to determine a listing’s wifi speed before booking is a must-have not only for digital nomads, but also for remote workers, creatives, road schoolers, traveling families, gamers, etc.

Guests want peace of mind that their stays can support their connection needs. Whether Zooming with colleagues, streaming an update, working on online documents, or catching up with family on video chat, fast and stable internet is more crucial than ever.

Guests can now easily view the WiFi speed on the amenities section of each Airbnb listing

While Hosts have been able to manually add WiFi speeds to their listing descriptions for some time, Airbnb is now providing an easy and efficient in-app solution to allow them to measure the WiFi speed in their listing using the Airbnb app.

Hosts can test their listing’s connection speed right within the app, and easily have their wifi speed information posted on their listing page, making their listings more appealing to guests looking for connected stays:

Hosts can test their listings connection speed in four easy steps: 1) Start test, 2) Connect to WiFi, 3) Test the WiFi speed and 4) Get WiFi speed results

This feature uses M-Lab’s open source software to measure download speeds. Airbnb has begun rolling out in-app internet speed testing in the US, and will roll out the new function globally in the coming weeks.

Filipino Unique Stays Hosts earned over P24 million since start of pandemic

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With travel restrictions easing, borders reopening and an increasing desire for unique stays, Airbnb data reveals now is the time for would-be Filipino Hosts to open their homes to guests

Manila, Philippines - Airbnb’s 2021 Release showed that travelers are booking unique abodes including cabins, tiny homes, and treehouses to break up the monotony of the past year spent in lockdown. Nearly 70 percent of respondents to a recent Airbnb survey indicated they want to be able to filter for unique stays when searching for trip accommodation.

According to latest Airbnb data, searches for unique stays have increased by 94 percent in 2021 compared to the same time period in 2019, and 55 percent of Airbnb's 100 most wishlisted homes in the last year fall into unique categories.* Notably, searches for certain types of unique homes have exploded by over 10x compared to just two years ago. Searches for yurts have spiked by approximately 1700%, while searches for earth houses and barns have increased 1,285% and 1,068% respectively.

In the Philippines, Hosts have earned over P24 million welcoming guests into their unique homes since the start of the pandemic. “Many of our unique stays in the Philippines are tucked away in the outskirts of large cities, within driving distance from the metro,” shared Amanpreet Bajaj, Airbnb’s General Manager for Southeast Asia, India, Hong Kong, and Taiwan. “Uncovering these one-of-a-kind stays is now a whole lot easier with our new Flexible Destinations feature, which helps guests discover incredible properties in places they may not have thought to search for. Guests can simply enter the dates they want to travel or search with flexible dates, for instance, a weekend, week or an entire month, to search and book their unique stays.”

One of Airbnb’s most popular unique stays is the Domescape glamping dome house in Nasugbu, Batangas. The Domescape is the first of its kind in the Philippines -- an intricately designed geodesic dome perfect for nature lovers and adventure seekers. Located in Barangay Tumalim, a quiet neighborhood adjacent to a large river, the Domescape is tastefully styled with modern wood furniture and plush white beddings. It also comes complete with luxury amenities that allow guests to immerse in nature in full comfort, including an air conditioner, mini-fridge, kettle, microwave oven, and humidifier. Guests can spend the night stargazing from inside the dome, as well as enjoy private access to a natural swimming pool!

The dome is equipped with all the essentials you need for an ideal nature getaway

“Domescape was born out of our love for adventure and family,” shares Host Triccia Serafica. “It was on a family road trip in 2018 when we thought of having a second home tucked away somewhere remote, and away from our place in the city. We wanted to combine the rejuvenating experience you feel when you’re close to nature with the luxury you get when you stay in upscale accommodation.”

After the completion of the Domescape that same year, Triccia and her family began to invite friends over to stay. The following year, they began hosting on Airbnb and found great joy in sharing their second home with travelers who want to immerse in the great outdoors while spending quality time with their loved ones.

“With Domescape, we have witnessed several beautiful celebrations with our guests,” added Tricia. “Whether a marriage proposal, surprise birthday celebrations, and even pre-wedding photoshoots - we always look forward to these celebrations and are beyond happy to be a part of the moment. Hosting has allowed us to meet people from all walks of life - we’ve even hosted celebrities for their pre-wedding shoot, not to mention numerous shoots for magazines and music videos!”

Awake to picturesque views of lush greenery outside the dome

Spend the afternoon dipping in this sustainable outdoor swimming pool

For those interested in hosting with Airbnb and opening their unique homes to guests, Airbnb’s new platform upgrades have made it easier for anyone who wants to host. Find out more about how you can become an Airbnb Host here: https://www.airbnb.com/host/homes.

*Based on Airbnb internal data of unique stay searches as of April 30, 2021.

What Mom wants: Gifting made easy with Airbnb Wishlists

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Plus a bunch of Online Experiences to gift or take together for an extra memorable Mother’s Day weekend!

 

Manila, Philippines, May 05 2021 - Most of us would recall the little moments back in elementary school when we proudly presented our mothers with a handcrafted gift for Mother’s Day, often crookedly made out of clay or imperfectly cut out from colored papers, bearing the heartwarming words: “For Mom”. Fast forward to us all grown up - the art of choosing gifts today has become seemingly harder to master, especially when faced with an increasingly wide set of choices.

After a particularly challenging year, Filipinos — moms included — are yearning to travel with their family and loved ones amidst the ongoing pandemic^[1]. So why not put those long-lost DIY skills to good use and plan a getaway just “For Mom”? We might not be able to drive mom to the family’s favourite resort just yet, but this means more time to plan her next escapade — and Airbnb may have just the right tools to help you discover the perfect vacation spot!

Get inspiration from Airbnb’s Wishlists

This Mother’s Day, Airbnb has curated a collection of Stays and Online Experiences to inspire your next family vacation. Designed for moms looking for a retreat from the everyday bustle and tap into the healing power of nature, Airbnb’s Naturally Zen wishlist features serene, sun-soaked getaways for an unforgettable vacation.

As the desire for fresh air, new experiences, and wide-open spaces far from the frenzy of city life continues to grow among families, why not start curating your very own wishlist with Mom? It’ll be your handy guide to concoct a lovely surprise trip for her once travel restrictions are lifted.

Check out these beautiful Airbnb Stays surrounded by lush greenery that may be worth adding to the wishlist:

• Wake up to the breathtaking views of Nasugbu’s rolling grasslands in this modern glass cabin. Situated near the foothills of famous Mount Batulao, this cabin offers sweeping 360-degree views of both mountain and sea.
• Tucked in a secluded area of Tagaytay, this off-the-grid cabin offers great views of Taal Lake and the surrounding forests. Its calm ambiance and solitary location make it an ideal spot for Mom to relax and recharge.

 

Online Experiences for our mommas

While we map out future getaways for mom, why not first bring her on a few virtual experiences this Mother’s Day weekend? Plane tickets and accommodation bookings are not required with Airbnb Online Experiences - exciting activities and experiences led by local passionate hosts. Here are some perfect Online Experiences for Mother’s Day:

• Prepare coffee like an expert with Mom: This one is for all coffee aficionado Moms. When it comes to a good cup of coffee, everyone has their favorite blends and go-to cafes. But for days when you’re at home, knowing how to brew an amazing cup of coffee can be the perfect way to perk up your day! Surprise mom with this Online Experience with Host Leandro, a Colombian coffee taster, and barista. He’ll teach you how to blend the right mix of coffee, and share more about the unique origins of Colombian coffee

• Bring Mom on a culinary journey: Put on your aprons and whip up a Spanish culinary feast for Mom, all from the comfort and safety of your own kitchen. Join Host Helina, founder and chef of Paella Barcelona as she guides you on how to make authentic Spanish paella perfect for a Mother’s Day meal.

• Meditate and spend a yoga afternoon with Mom: This Mother’s Day, encourage Mom to put herself first! Spend a relaxing and meaningful afternoon together with Host Amornrat, as she takes you and Mom through this 90-minute yoga and meditation class.

• Whisk Mom away to a hidden jazz club: Treat Mom to a lovely live jazz night as Host Theo pays tribute to some of our favorite jazz vocalists and composers. Sing along with top jazz vocalists and musicians who have performed at world-class venues around the world, including the Royal Albert Hall in London, The Kennedy Center in Washington DC, and the Lincoln Center in NYC.

Finding the perfect Mother’s Day gift may be quite challenging in these times, but with a little imagination, you can give your mom a truly enjoyable and unforgettable experience.