Accommodation
Why everybody loves seniors on Airbnb
With over a million hosts offering their home dwellings in 190 countries, you never know whose house you’ll be staying at if you book Airbnb. But within the United States, one category of host is growing faster than the others – and getting the most positive reviews.
New data from Airbnb shows that over 60s are the fastest-growing and best-reviewed demographic on the accommodation site. In the past year, the number of senior hosts grew by 102 per cent, with 62 per cent of the over 60 hosts getting five-star ratings. Airbnb also declared senior women the best of the bunch, with women over 60 receiving the highest percentage of five-star reviews out of all categories.
"Across the US, senior women hosts are becoming an increasingly important part of the Airbnb community... And increasing numbers of Airbnb hosts are empty-nesters who are sharing space in their homes to make ends meet and meet travellers from around the world,” wrote Airbnb.
Belinda Johnson, chief business affairs and legal officer at the company, told USA Today, “Many people assume that Airbnb is something for younger generations, but that just isn't the case.”
According to Airbnb’s new data, if you want to have a great experience on Airbnb your best bet is to seek out a senior host. Over 60 hosts receive the highest percentage of five-star reviews, with guest staying at seniors Airbnbs rating them as providing the highest quality Airbnb experience.
It seems to be a win-win as senior hosts are receiving an extra source of income, which, in some cases, allows them to keep living in their home. Half of the over 60 hosts are hosting on Airbnb due to financial reasons, with 45 per cent saying they use the money earnt on cost of living expenses. Most seniors hosts are also empty nesters who are renting out the empty rooms of their family home to guests.
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