Airbnb answers accommodation needs in Thailand, region
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Airbnb plans to expand its online market for unique accommodations in Thailand and elsewhere in Southeast Asia.
MORE INCOMING, OUTGOING TRAVELLERS USE AIRBNB FOR ACCOMMODATION NEEDS IN THAILAND, REGION
Nathan Blecharczyk, chief technology officer, said yesterday that the company, which matches people seeking vacation rentals with hosts with space available, saw huge opportunities in Thailand with its ranking as a top travel destination and reputation for hospitality.
Thais are also continuing to go abroad and seek unique and affordable accommodations overseas, he said.
Within Thailand, real estate is showing rapid development in key cities such as Bangkok, Phuket, Hua Hin, Pattaya and Chiang Mai.
Last month, Airbnb introduced the Thai version of its website to attract prospective property hosts to list on the network and Thai outbound travellers to use it to look for accommodations abroad.
Travellers from 98 countries around the world use its network to come to Thailand.
Airbnb guest nights booked by Thais are expected to surge by 270 per cent, with Hong Kong, Paris, New York, Amsterdam, Rome and London as the most popular destinations.
The company has more than 1,300 listings in Thailand, including 400 in Bangkok, 250 in Phuket and 170 in Samui, and expects to increase them to more than 10,000 in a couple years while also expanding its coverage in Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore and Hong Kong.
The average Airbnb hosts in Thailand rent out their places out occasionally and make US$2,000 (Bt61,500) annually, while some hosts that rent out more regularly can make upwards of $7,500 a year.
The company earns income from collecting service fees from both hosts and guests. Hosts pay 3 per cent of the offered rates on the website while guests pay 6-12 per cent.
Co-founded by Blecharczyk in August 2008 in San Francisco, California, the company can offer unique accommodations ranging from a single room nightly, castle for a week and villa for a month to a private island in Fiji.
In June, the company witnessed 10 million nights booked with more than 50,000 guests in its network.
