Airbnb recently highlighting new data about the positive impacts of the growing Airbnb community in South Africa. This is the first data release on the Airbnb community here and shows that the typical South African Airbnb host who occasionally shares space in their home boosts their yearly income by more than R28 000.

In 2015 there were 7 500 active hosts in South Africa and almost half were freelancers, entrepreneurs, or self-employed, which is the same number that say welcoming guests helps them afford to stay in their home. 66 % of hosts share space in their primary residence.

The way people travel is changing, too, driven by a new experience led economy where people place greater value on experiences over ownership. More than 130,000 guests have stayed in a listing on Airbnb in South Africa in the last year alone, enjoying authentic and local travel experiences through their hosts’ personal hospitality and insider knowledge. This number represents a 250% increase in travellers on Airbnb compared to 2014. And hosts and guests on Airbnb are older than one might think with the average host being 44 years old and guests being 37 on average.

Airbnb empowers regular South Africans to use their homes as economic assets

● In South Africa in 2015, there were 7 500 active hosts sharing their home. In the last year, the typical host earned an extra R28 000 by sharing his home.

● The average host is 44 years old and 36% are over 50.

Airbnb increases consumer choice and helps grow and diversify travel across South Africa

● 134 000 guests used Airbnb to visit South Africa in the past year.

● 99 000 South African residents used Airbnb for their travels.

● The average host rating by guests is 4.7 out of 5.

Airbnb hosts in Cape Town are providing guests with an authentic and affordable travel experience and boosting local economies

● 66% of hosts share space in their primary residence.

● Airbnb guests stay an average of 6 nights.

● More than 40 percent of guest spending takes place in the neighbourhood where they stay.

● 58% of Airbnb guests visited local businesses based on host recommendations.

● 50% of guests who saved money on Airbnb spent it on food, shopping and other amenities.

Nicola D’Elia, general manager for Africa and the Middle East at Airbnb highlights how Airbnb helps to spreads benefits to new communities and local businesses: “Airbnb is good news for everyone, providing an economic boost for thousands of South Africans, helping them make ends meet and support their families by hosting on Airbnb. 27% of visitors to Cape Town for example - Airbnb’s largest market in South Africa - tell us that they wouldn’t have come at all or stayed as long if it hadn’t been for Airbnb. Half of those guests spend more money in local shops and restaurants, often following their hosts’ recommendations. Even if it’s just for a night, staying with local hosts will allow visitors to really live there.”

Tim Harris, CEO at Wesgro, the tourism, trade and investment promotion agency for Cape Town and the Western Cape, agrees: “Cape Town and the Western Cape is a world class tourism destination. Thanks to Airbnb, more travelers can enjoy the natural beauty our country has to offer in an authentic way. It’s great to see that outside Cape Town, Knysna is the second most popular town with the Airbnb community. This shows how Airbnb hosts are helping to drive visitors across the province, allowing them to experience more of the Western Cape with their local hosts. "

Today’s release follows the launch of the Airbnb Community Compact last year, where Airbnb pledged to be good partners to governments.