Airbnb contributed R23.5 billion to SA's GDP in 2022. Image: iStock
Airbnb has more than doubled its contribution to South Africa’s economy since 2019.
A recent report by Genesis Analytics reveals that Airbnb contributed more than R23.5 billion to SA’s GDP in 2022, creating more than 50 000 jobs.
The growth in tourism was attributed to the increase in domestic travelers, who accounted for more than 60% of the total nights booked on the platform.
Velma Corcoran, Airbnb Regional Lead for Middle East Africa was thrilled at the strides made by the online platform in SA, since it was launched in 2015.
“We are proud to have more than doubled our economic impact, meaning more South Africans are benefiting from increasingly local and inclusive tourism,” she said.
According to the report, nationwide host earnings amounted to more than R4 billlion in 2022, with a typical host earning of about R32 500 on average.
South African cities with the fastest-growing Airbnb bookings.
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Airbnb has now pledged $500 000 (about R9 549 750) towards assisting non-profit organisations (NPOs) with digital access to enable sustainability.
The company announced on Tuesday, during the Africa Travel Summit in Johannesburg, plans to provide digital support to NPOs.
Corcoran said the pledge signified the company’s commitment to sustainable, diverse and inclusive tourism industry.
“We believe in the power of public and private sector partnerships to support this important work,” she said.
Airbnb plans to work with local stakeholders to identify organisations worth considering for awards and grants.
“We look forward to working together with governments, non-profits and tourism organisations across Africa to make tourism and hosting more accessible, safe, diverse, and affordable for everyone,” said Corcoran.
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