Airbnb has released the first results from its latest survey of hosts and guests worldwide, focusing on its findings from Thailand. Hosts surveyed in Thailand, who used the platform last year, provided insights into how Airbnb hosts are using their income in a time of soaring inflation, emerging as key contributors to the local economy, and building strong people connections.

Mitigating Rising Costs with Hosting

As external forces pushed inflation higher around the world last year, income earned through hosting became essential for navigating higher prices for hosts in Thailand.

In response to a question about why they host their space on Airbnb:

• Almost 35%t of hosts surveyed in Thailand said one of the reasons they host is to earn money to help cover the rising cost of living;
• Nearly a third said they host to earn money to make ends meet;
• Over half said they host to earn extra spending money;
• Almost half said they host to earn money to grow their business.

According to the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO), the Food Price Index steadily increased last year, up to an all-time high in March 2022. Against the backdrop of higher prices for everyday goods, nearly 45% of Thai hosts surveyed said they use the income earned through hosting to buy food and other necessities that have become more expensive. In Thailand, most hosts surveyed stated that they use the money earned through hosting to improve their homes.

Hosts surveyed also indicated that they expect that income earned through hosting will become more critical. Over 45% say they expect to become more reliant on host income in 12 months.

In addition, to revenue from guests and their local spending, Thai hosts surveyed contribute to Thailand’s tourism income.

Almost two-thirds of those surveyed say that they hire support staff such as professional cleaners.

Hosts also like to share recommendations with guests about restaurants and cafes (85%), outdoor sites and activities (two thirds), lesser-known areas and places to visit (60%), and shops and boutiques (almost half), amongst others.

In fact, more than three-quarters of Thai hosts surveyed recommended places to visit in and around their Airbnb neighbourhood to guests.