Airbnb Sees Increased Bookings Amid COVID-19 Pandemic

While the hotel industry continues to hang back during the COVID-19 pandemic, Airbnb bookings are increasing.

“During the initial lockdown in March and April, customer spending on online bookings fell dramatically for Airbnb” and hotels in the study, reported Edison Trends. However, “from April 27 to the beginning of June, spending climbed quickly for these companies. Airbnb rose the fastest with an average of 32% week-over-week growth.”

The report also mentioned that Airbnb spending the week of August 17th was 75% higher than the equivalent week in 2019.

Edison Trends, citing The Economist, said that Airbnb had staycations and month-long rentals higher demand. He says it's because rentals like these “are seen as better-suited for long stays and work-from-home trips than are hotels. This may have played a role in Airbnb’s rapid gains.”

More than this, an August report by CNBC mentioned that while urban Airbnb hosts have had a hard time during the pandemic, “Airbnb hosts in rural areas are seeing huge surges in business.”

“These rural Airbnbs for local getaways are all the rage as Americans jump at opportunities to escape the confines of their homes and the stress of the ongoing pandemic,” CNBC said.

Up Next:

• Airbnb Announces Global Ban on Parties and Events
• Airbnb Restricts Some Guests Under 25 from Booking in Their Local Area
• Hotels Reconceptualize Room Service Amid COVID-19 Pandemic