MotoGP Fuels Airbnb’s Growth in Buriram, Thailand

Airbnb has revealed how MotoGP has helped fuel its growth in Buriram, Thailand.

Airbnb first partnered with the Buriram-based homestay provider B-STAY, with the support of the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, to build flexible accommodation supply for the Thailand MotoGP 2018, in the process providing hospitality training and onboarding over 65 local homestays in Buriram.

Ahead of the upcoming Buriram MotoGP 2019, Airbnb has unveiled new data that highlights its impact on the city:

- Since Airbnb launched its partnership with B-STAY last year, the number of listings in Buriram on Airbnb has grown by 360% year-on-year.

- Buriram came in #7 as the top trending destination Airbnb guests are heading to in Q3 2019, based on percentage growth in bookings from last year. There is a 357% year-on-year growth in bookings to Buriram during this period.

- During this year’s Buriram MotoGP, the Airbnb host community in Buriram will welcome over 430 guests from more than 100 cities around the world into their homes and communities, a 96% year-on-year increase.

- Approximately 27% of estimated guest arrivals are domestic, and top overseas guest markets comprise Australia, India, France, United Kingdom and the United States.

- The average booking size is 2.5 pax, and guests will stay for an average length of 3 nights.

- Guests aged 30-39 comprise the largest category of guests, followed by guests aged 40-49. Women hosts comprise 45% of all hosts in Buriram’.

Mich Goh, Head of Public Policy for Southeast Asia, Airbnb, said, “Driven by a desire for more local and authentic experiences, we are seeing more travellers from Thailand and the world visit off-the-beaten track destinations. Our community’s unique accommodation and experience offerings helps emerging destinations, like Buriram, attract and host more visitors. Looking forward, we will continue to work closely with governments and community stakeholders to support the growth of tourism in emerging destinations and spread the benefits beyond big cities and tourism hotspots.”

Airbnb has launched a marketing video titled ‘Sustainable Travel with Airbnb: Beyond Big Cities’ which features Buriram’s unique local attractions and way of life, as seen through the eyes of Airbnb’s passionate host community. The video, which will run on Airbnb’s global platforms, aims to promote and drive both domestic and international travel to emerging destinations in Thailand.

The company has plans to expand its destination marketing efforts to other emerging destinations in the country, including Saraburi's Nong Saeng and Sao Hai districts.

The Buriram MotoGP 2019 will take place 4-6 October.

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