Pets Approved: Travel with your furry friends with Airbnb this festive season

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This week marks World Animal Day, an international day celebrating all animals and promoting a better future for animals all over the world. As the festive season rapidly approaches, there’s no better time to start planning a getaway for your loved ones – with fur kids in tow.

Around the world, Airbnb Hosts have welcomed hundreds of thousands of guests and their beloved pets. As the pandemic pet boom continues and travel resumes, guests are increasingly looking for domestic stays that allow them to bring their furry friends along, with ample outdoor space for all to roam around.

More than 3 million pets have checked into Airbnb since last November. As of June 2022, pet-friendly stays make up almost one-fifth of all Philippines listings on Airbnb, a 44% increase compared to June 2019². The top ten destinations for pet-friendly travel in the Philippines in Q2 2022 are:

●     Manila, Metro Manila

●     Baguio, Cordillera

●     Patuto, Calabarzon

●     Quezon City, Metro Manila

●     Taguig, Calabarzon

●     Cebu City, Central Visayas

●     Olongapo, Central Luzon

●     Nasugbu, Calabarzon

●     San Fernando, Ilocos

●     Calamba, Calabarzon

Amanpreet Singh Bajaj, Airbnb’s General Manager for Southeast Asia, India, Hong Kong and Taiwan said that when it comes to pet-friendly Airbnb stays, owners are seeking stays with additional space for their furry friends, often in locations outside capital cities.

“If you’re an avid pet lover, you’ll know that no holiday is quite complete without taking your family pet along. We have something for even the fussiest four-legged family members, and certainly, homes with spacious yards and deck areas are always among the most popular for guests with pets,” Bajaj added.

In the Philippines, over 15,000 guests have traveled with their pets on Airbnb³. To inspire more fur moms and dads planning to bring their pet friends on their next getaways, here are some amazing pet-friendly listings in the Philippines —  from spacious homes with huge backyards for your pets to roam to stays co-hosted by equally hospitable pooches!

Spacious farms for the zoomies

If you’re itching for a quick weekend away from the 9-to-5 routine, these farm stays that are drivable from Manila can certainly give you and your fur baby that relaxing getaway you both deserved.

 

●     The Alperi Farm is a newly built private farmhouse in Amadeo sitting on an expansive 2,000 sqm — perfect for non-stop fetch and the occasional zoomies. Offering guests plenty of opportunities to unplug and bond with loved ones (pets included!), the farmhouse comes with entertainment and activity options including a playhouse, bird sanctuary, a gym, and even a theater and arcade room.

●     Another farmstay south of the metro is Campo Canueza, which provides the best of both mountain views and beach access. It has a two-storey air-conditioned bahay kubo, a private pool, and an expansive space where you can freely walk your pets. At night, you can pitch a tent outside and enjoy uninterrupted views of the night sky.

Beachfront homes for the water-loving breeds

While some will just dip a toe, other dogs are born for the water — and will be truly delighted to hit the beach. Head on to these beachfront stays if you and your canine companion are dreaming of sands in your toes and paws.

 

●     Saya Nest is one of the seven nests hosted by proud fur-mom and Airbnb Host, Tamara. Located in the rainforest of Subic Bay, it lies just a few minutes from the beaches and falls. There is a fenced-in patio so your pets can run off-leash, a bathtub overlooking the forest, an outdoor table and grill, and a hammock by the porch. If you’re lucky, you might even be welcomed by Tamara’s own fur babies!

●     If you and your pet are up for a little island adventure — check out this Beachfront Loft in Palawan. It is located in a 2-hectare beachfront community in Aborlan just south of Puerto Princesa, and sits right by the sandy beach. Go boating with your pet by day and warm up around the bonfire at night while listening to the calming waves.

Breathtaking views for your best bud

Looking for vacation rentals with picturesque views where you can bring your fur babies? Search no further! These homes are not only pet-friendly — they make you want to bask in the scenery and stay for longer.

 

●     Anto House is a secluded farm nestled in the highlands of Antipolo, offering a 360-degree view overlooking the distant Metro Manila skyline, Angono hills and ridges, and the Laguna de Bay. Featuring two beautiful bamboo casitas that can accommodate up to 14 guests, it’s perfect for family gatherings and even reunions. There are also animals on the property like goats and sheep that both kids and fur kids can interact with.

●     How about calling an entire island your home for the weekend? This rustic, tiny island is right in the middle of Lumot Lake, with astounding views of the Sierra Madre mountain ranges. If your fur bud’s love language is quality time, you can set up a mini obstacle course, go swimming at the lake, or simply just watch the world go by.

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¹ Based on Airbnb internal data from June 30, 2019 to June 30, 2022

² Based on Airbnb internal data from June 30, 2019 to June 30, 2022

³ Based on Airbnb internal data from November 11, 2019 to June 30, 2022

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.

 

The Barrettos’ iconic rest house is now on Airbnb: Gather the family for a festive getaway hosted by Marjorie and Julia!

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(Philippines) - To celebrate the advent of this year’s Christmas festivities, the Barretto family has announced that they will become Airbnb Hosts and list their luxurious family villa in Calumpit, Bulacan on Airbnb.

Entertainment veteran Marjorie Barretto and famous actress-model Julia Barretto will be opening the doors of the River Garden Rest House on Airbnb for three consecutive weekends — with the first stay on 15 October hosted in-person by the renowned mother-daughter duo, who will share their favourite spots around the villa and attractions nearby.

The rest house will be available for a one-night stay on three exclusive dates: October 15, October 22, and October 29. Priced at Php25,000 per night excluding additional fees, the rest house can accommodate up to a maximum of 16 pax.

Starting today, interested guests can make a request to book at www.airbnb.com/h/rivergardenresthouse, along with a message introducing themselves and detailing their request including their travel companions and why they are interested to stay. Guests must have a verified Airbnb profile, a history of positive reviews, and be 18+ to request to book.

“The River Garden Rest House is extremely dear to our family and holds so many precious memories for us. I am incredibly happy to now share this special space with the world through Airbnb, and for more guests throughout the Philippines and overseas to enjoy our Filipino hospitality and rejuvenating probinsya life. I look forward to many more families and friends creating their own meaningful moments here and enjoying the rest house,” shares Marjorie.

Located an hour's drive out from Metro Manila, the Barrettos’ expansive River Garden Rest House offers Filipinos an idyllic opportunity to reconnect with loved ones amidst nature. The villa offers four spacious bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms, a large private pool, an outdoor dining area and lounge, a fully-equipped open kitchen with grill, and a gazebo boasting scenic views of the Angat River. Guests may also be able to purchase the fresh catch of the day for dinner from the fishermen nearby.

Purchased by Marjorie over 20 years ago, the villa has since been meticulously restored and furnished by the matriarch to reflect a blend of old-world charm and modern Filipino design. Local materials including pawid roofs, bamboo and capiz shell windows feature prominently. Each room also features a unique collection of precious antiques, furniture, accessories, and even heritage paintings passed down from Marjorie’s mother.

“One of my favourite things to do is spend a quiet afternoon in the shade of the gazebo, watching the river waters glisten under the sun. It’s always heartwarming seeing our family spend the day in different corners of the house, either cooped up with a book, engrossed in conversation, or dipping in the pool. I am thrilled to be supporting my mom in sharing this space with more families, and we hope our guests will enjoy and care for this space as much as we do,” adds Julia.

Recent Airbnb data revealed that destinations outside major metropolitan hubs are increasingly popular among travelers, and earnings from hosting are helping Filipinos grow their business and improve their homes.

Interested to learn more about becoming an Airbnb Host like the Barrettos? You can get free one-on-one help from an Airbnb Superhost at airbnb.com/askasuperhost, and find more useful tips and information at airbnb.com/host. For more unique stays this festive season, visit airbnb.com or the Airbnb app.

New Airbnb data shows how tourism has dispersed post-pandemic, benefiting rural off-the-beaten-path communities in the Philippines and Southeast Asia

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●     Across parts of Southeast Asia and Asia Pacific, Airbnb recorded an increase in non-urban nights booked in Q2 2022 when compared with Q2 2019

●     In the Philippines, travel interest in destinations outside major cities have increased with guest searches for Siquijor surging over 280 percent

●     Tourism dispersal is creating new economic opportunities for more people in emerging destinations as they look for ways to combat rising costs of living

As the travel rebound continues to unfold, the benefits of tourism are spreading across the Asia Pacific. In Southeast Asia, new analysis by Airbnb reveals that the resurgence in domestic and inbound tourism is empowering locals to earn a living and make ends meet.

With people continuing to embrace flexible new approaches to travel and living, communities that have traditionally missed out in the past are increasingly well-positioned to secure a bigger slice of the tourism pie, according to new Airbnb report ‘Further Afield: Spreading the Benefits of the Travel Revolution’. Across the region, this has presented fresh opportunities for locals looking to supplement their income as they grapple with rising costs of living.

Across the Asia Pacific, Airbnb nights booked in non-urban areas have increased in South Korea (up more than 180 percent ), India (up about 140 percent), and Australia (up about 60 percent) in Q2 2022 as compared to Q2 2019. In Southeast Asia, searches for stays in Siquijor in the Philippines surged by more than 280 percent while searches for Marang in Malaysia almost doubled.

The typical earnings for non-urban Hosts increased correspondingly in the same period for a number of destinations. In Australia and South Korea, typical host earnings have more than doubled as travel returned in full force. In the Philippines, almost half of local Airbnb hosts surveyed said their earnings have helped them navigate rising costs of living including housing, daily necessities, and home improvement needs.

Not only are travelers eyeing destinations off the beaten path, they’re also looking to stay longer. Notably, nights booked for long-term stays (stays longer than 28 days) in non-urban areas approximately doubled in popular travel and remote working hotspot Thailand in Q2 2022, up from Q2 2019 pre-pandemic.

In Southeast Asia, a number of destinations outside major metropolitan hubs were popular  among travelers on Airbnb for long-term stays in Q2 2022. Examples included:

●       Dapa, Panglao, Dumaguete and Silang in the Philippines

●       Ipoh, Kuah, Semenyih, and Port Dickson in Malaysia

●       Koh Pha Ngan, Koh Lanta and Krabi in Thailand

Mich Goh, Airbnb’s Head of Public Policy for Southeast Asia, India, Hong Kong and Taiwan, said: “More than two years since the start of the pandemic, we continue to see fundamental shifts in travel that are creating new opportunities for off-the-beaten-track communities. It’s incredibly exciting to see travelers so enthusiastic about exploring new destinations, as well as the positive economic impact cascading to locals.

“The increasing popularity of Dapa, Panglao, Dumaguete and Silang reinforce the importance of the Department of Tourism’s plans to drive tourism development in the countryside and promote lesser-known destinations.  We are committed to continuing to work together with governments and stakeholders to keep inspiring travelers to step off the beaten path, and help ensure more communities can share in the benefits of tourism.”

In addition to encouraging travelers to explore further afield through innovative search tools such as Categories and I’m Flexible, Airbnb remains committed to partnering with governments and communities in Southeast Asia, including in the Philippines. The company has partnered with Thailand and Indonesia’s tourism authorities on a range of ‘Live and Work Anywhere’ initiatives to attract global digital nomads and remote workers, as part of broader efforts to drive inbound tourism as travel returns.

Readers can view the full report here https://news.airbnb.com/further-afield/.

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Forward-looking statements are subject to a number of known and unknown risks, uncertainties, assumptions, and other factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from the objectives expressed or implied in this press release. Therefore, you should not rely upon forward-looking statements as predictions of future events. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, the effects and duration of the evolving COVID-19 pandemic on us, the travel industry, travel trends, and the global economy generally; any further and continued decline or disruption in the travel and hospitality industries or economic downturn; changes in political, business, and economic conditions, including current geopolitical tensions and regional instability; and the other risks listed or described from time to time in Airbnb’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), including Airbnb’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021, Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2022 and subsequent Form 10-Qs and Form 8-Ks, which are, or will be, on file with the SEC and available on the investor relations page of Airbnb’s website.

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Go grand at this year’s Pasigarbo sa Sugbo by booking these incredible Airbnb Stays

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Osmeña Boulevard will erupt in colors and festivities once again as Cebu’s magnificent ‘Festival of Festivals’ makes its much-awaited comeback this year on August 28. A total of fifty festivals are joining this year’s Pasigarbo sa Sugbo — making it the biggest and grandest to date!

If you’re going to the Queen City of the South to witness the jaw-dropping talent and creativity of the Cebuanos, why not book an equally stunning Airbnb Stay hosted by Cebu’s top Airbnb Superhosts? They may even fill you in on the newest hole-in-the-wall gems and intriguing side-trips to explore after all the merriment and street dancing!

Luxurious pool villas in the heart of Cebu

If you’re bringing the entire family or the whole barkada, you might want to check out Superhost Chad’s modern luxury villa. With seven bedrooms spanned across three floors, a home theater, a kitchen stocked full with delicious supplies for breakfast, and an infinity pool with spectacular ocean and city views — this villa will definitely not disappoint.

For a secluded yet luxurious experience,  Luxury Villa in Busay may be your go-to. Nestled in the mountain town of Busay, this villa boasts top-notch amenities and in-house staff ready to accommodate any needs, including delectable meals prepared by your personal chef. The guest favorite? Definitely the infinity pool with panoramic views of the city.

Nature sanctuaries in the outskirts for longer Cebu getaways

If you crave peace and quiet after the festivities, Nala’s Farm lies within just an hour’s drive from the city. Perched on a hill, the stay provides incredible views of the surrounding mountains and resplendent sunsets. Guests can opt to dip in the pool for a quiet afternoon, or sweat it out with a game of volleyball, basketball, or table tennis in the recreational area.

Get closer to the water and stay at Sam Xander’s Stone Beach Villa located just by the beach. Enjoy dinners and picnics al fresco on the patio, a crisply manicured lawn, and a bonfire area for late-night smores roasts. The villa also sits close to great diving spots if you and your loved ones are up for an underwater adventure after Pasigarbo.

Another seaside Cebu gem is Playa Norte located in Danao City. This expansive designer beach home can comfortably accommodate up to ten guests, and features rustic wood furnishings and multiple seaview rooms.  Guests can soak up the sunshine in an outdoor tub, swim, and kayak at the beach, or curl up with a book or two on the sofa.

For an enjoyable and hassle-free Pasigarbo sa Sugbo experience, all Airbnb Stays now come with AirCover — the most comprehensive protection in travel and included for free in every stay. To discover more incredible places to stay in Cebu, visit airbnb.com or download the Airbnb app.

 

Airbnb launches $10M OMG! Fund for the world’s craziest listing ideas

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●     The fund will give 100 people US$100,000 each to design and build the most unique spaces around the world

●     Hosting on Airbnb continues to empower local communities, as Filipino Airbnb Hosts earned over $37M in 2021

Airbnb is on the hunt for the world’s craziest spaces — and will help foot the bill to build them. Whether it’s the next boot, UFO house, or giant potato, the first-of-its-size US$10,000,000 OMG! Fund is seeking ideas from existing and aspiring designers, architects, DIYers, and makers from around the globe. The fund's $10 million will help finance 100 of the craziest ideas, giving 100 people an opportunity to turn them into actual Airbnb OMG! Category listings, which are Airbnb’s collection of the most unique homes.

Starting today, anyone with an out-of-this-world idea can submit an application at airbnb.com/omgfund. One hundred people with the 100 craziest ideas will receive US$100,000¹ each to make their creations possible and, ultimately, bookable. Ideas will be judged by an expert panel for their originality, feasibility, the experience the space will provide guests, and sustainability. 

 

The fund is shaped in part by the growing trend of flexible living that has emerged in the past two years. As part of this shift, Airbnb guests are craving more unexpected spaces that become the destinations themselves, and Airbnb Categories, which launched last month, provide a new way to search for these spaces. More than 30,000 unique listings across the world were added to Airbnb in 2021 and the OMG! Category - which has one of the highest rates of engagement among guests browsing Airbnb - showcases the craziest amongst them, making it easy for guests to discover these listings in places they wouldn't have otherwise looked.

Hosting on Airbnb provides powerful economic benefits to Hosts. In 2021, all Hosts total earnings in the Philippines reached US$37.7 million, providing locals with important income during the pandemic². Additionally, nights booked at unique properties increased globally by over 49 percent from 2019 to 2021³.

Airbnb Superhost OMG! Fund judging panelist Kristie Wolfe

“When the Idaho Potato Commission retired a six-ton prop potato, I took it off their hands and spent $32,000 transforming it into an Airbnb,” Airbnb Superhost OMG! Fund judging panelist Kristie Wolfe said. “I went from making $13/hr to seeing $208,0005 in earnings in less than three years, and leveraged that income to bootstrap my way through additional listings that allow me to express my creativity and connect with hundreds of people in the process.”

Applications will be reviewed by a judging panel of boundary-pushing design authorities, an architectural expert, and an Airbnb OMG! Category Superhost:

●     Iris Apfel, incomparable and irreverent centenarian style icon

●     Koichi Takada, founder of Sydney-based international studio Koichi Takada Architects, known for emotive design inspired by the natural world

●     Kristie Wolfe, Airbnb Superhost and prolific creator of OMG! Listings including the Potato Hotel, Crystal Peak Lookout, Big Island Treehouse and Cocoon Cottage

●     Bruce Vaughn, Disney alum, and Airbnb’s VP of Experiential Creative Product

The $10,000,000 OMG! Fund opens today for a period of 30 days, through July 22 at 11:59 am PHT. The 100 fund recipients will be selected by the panel over the next several months, with the intent of having their newly-constructed spaces complete next year. To apply, visit airbnb.com/omgfund.

 

Note:

¹For more information, including a list of eligible countries, see the Official Rules.

²According to Airbnb data of Hosts earnings in 2021

³Kristie Wolfe’s income represents Airbnb earnings from January 2019 to May 31, 2022. Like Kristie,  every Host’s experience hosting is unique. Host earnings vary widely depending on many factors, including availability, price, acceptance and cancellation rates, occupancy rate and the demand in the listing location. Globally, the median earnings for an OMG! Category Host active between Jan 2018 and May 2022 was over $48,000.

 

#TravelAsJuan with Airbnb to the Philippines’ top beach and diving destinations

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Rediscover the country’s top destinations from the 28th World Travel Awards with these beautiful Airbnb Stays hosted by passionate local Superhosts

Known for its pristine beaches and mesmerizing dive spots, the Philippines once again stood out after the 28th World Travel Awards recognized the country as this year’s leading beach and diving destination in Asia.

Following the easing of travel restrictions, some of the country’s top beach destinations including Boracay, Siargao, and El Nido have already reopened to local travellers. Filipinos are already making plans for their next trip to popular hotspots Panglao, Anda, Balicasag, Anilao, Malapascua, Moalboal, and Puerto Galera.

While beaches and diving sites are incredibly popular during summertime – an end-of-year trip might just be what you need to reconnect and recharge with loved ones. For those seeking inspiration for your next trip, Airbnb reveals some of its top Superhost Stays in the Philippines’ best beaches and diving destinations that you can book for that much-awaited getaway!

A vibrant loft perched on a solitary hill in Boracay

Without a doubt, Boracay is one of the most appealing tourist destinations in the country. In fact, trips here always seem to be bitin, because the island doles up the most inimitably chill yet fun vibe. Now that more companies are offering remote work opportunities, it’s a great time to explore living and working elsewhere.

If you have Boracay in mind for a potential workation, Bianca’s Garden Apartments has everything you need for work and play: a dedicated workspace, WiFi, television, balcony and backyard,  a fully furnished kitchen, and a spacious bedroom. It is also tucked away from the crowds of Boracay with incredible views of Bolabog Beach.

An eco-friendly beachside gem in Siargao

Siargao ‘made waves’ after the release of a local film of the same name back in 2017. While well known as a haven for surfers, the island welcomes all groups of visitors.

Hosts Julio and Clydd of Kala’s Cave provide guests with a handy notebook filled with their favorite hidden gems and useful local contacts. But that’s just a bonus as the real star here is their treehouse – an eco-friendly passion project with breathtaking views of the sea and lush palm trees all around, and just minutes away from the famous Cloud 9.

A stylish, luxurious villa in El Nido, Palawan

    

Visiting El Nido, Palawan is akin to walking right into a postcard so impeccably beautiful it’s earned the title of one of the best beaches in the world more than once.

For your next visit to this paradise, you should definitely look for Casa Malaya — a Pinterest dream come true located just by Nacpan Beach. This tropical designer space with unique antiques has everything you need and more — in-home massages, complimentary bicycles to explore the area, free breakfasts delivered to your doorstep plus a private pool for you to bask in the warm midday sun.

A homey bamboo hut in Moalboal, Cebu

 

Moalboal is famous for its underwater paradise, especially when you get to dive into its crystal-clear waters and witness the famous Sardine Run. Island hopping and turtle watching are also popular activities in this town - but what really drives travelers to visit is the countryside charm of this coastal town.

Enjoy laid-back vibes at Tongo Hill Cottages, nestled among palm trees and verdant hills. This Airbnb Stay features rows of bamboo-made huts for the adventurous traveler, and each hut comes with its own small porch with a hammock. Every morning, you will be served hearty breakfasts at the terrace alongside a dose of joy from your companions Simba, Buko, and Lily, the rescue dogs residing in this dreamy abode.

A refreshing homestay in Panglao, Bohol

Divers from all around the world converge in Panglao to explore its underwater wonders and rich marine biodiversity — from schools of jacks and sea turtles to sardine runs, dolphins, whales, and lush coral forests.

Planning a longer vacation to fully explore what Bohol has to offer? You can rent Halamanan Villa for an entire month! This tranquil and tastefully designed Airbnb stay is minutes away from Alona Beach, bountiful dive spots as well as local restaurants and coffee shops.

As more destinations reopen across the Philippines, Filipinos are sharing their homes, stories, and love for their hometowns with fellow Filipinos through hosting with Airbnb.  Hosts have also 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 more ideas on where to stay as you #TravelAsJuan to the country’s top beach and diving destinations, visit https://www.airbnb.com/philippines/stays.

 

Notes:

*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.

*This press release encourages safe and responsible travel. Local and international travel requirements, as well as health guidelines, continue to change quickly. Check local restrictions at home and in your destination before booking a trip on Airbnb.