Airbnb, the world's most popular short-term rental platform, has as part of its mission to work towards creating a world where everyone belongs. That's why it has shared a practical guide on how to be a more inclusive host, offering recommendations to its hosts to help them avoid discrimination.
The guide, according to a press release, includes information on understanding how implicit bias works, recommendations for creating an inclusive environment, and inspiring stories from other hosts. With this, Airbnb says it aims to offer a better community for everyone and ensure that anyone can feel welcome when traveling.
The guide is aimed at the community of hosts in Gran Canaria who will open the doors of their homes during Maspalomas Pride by Freedom, which will take place from May 4 to 14.
“We are proud to lead initiatives that promote tolerance and to provide tools to members of the Airbnb host community. Our goal is to foster authentic and inclusive travel experiences. Therefore, it is essential for us that everyone feels welcome when they travel, regardless of their sexual orientation, origin, age, etc.,” explains Mónica Casañas, General Manager of Airbnb Marketing Services SL.
Airbnb's statement indicates that the goal is to promote a more inclusive community and that the guide delves into the different ways in which discrimination can occur, since many times it is obvious and at other times it is expressed in a more subtle way.
"As a community that fosters connection and belonging, discrimination is not tolerated at Airbnb.".
Last year alone, guests from 70 different countries stayed with a host in Gran Canaria during the Maspalomas Pride celebrations. The typical host in Gran Canaria earned over €300 in 2022 during the celebrations, almost 25% more than in 2019, the last time Maspalomas Pride was held before the pandemic, according to the company's report.
Daniel Chamillard, a member of the Airbnb Host Advisory Board and a Superhost Ambassador, has lived in Tenerife since 2011. “I love being part of people’s happy experiences and offering advice and assistance when my guests need it,” says Daniel.
“In these more than 10 years of hosting, we have received guests from all over the world, many of whom arrive as strangers and leave as true friends. Such is the case of Ana and Marnix, from Germany and the Netherlands, whose first visit was in 2014. The charm of the island and the friendship we built led them to decide to return to Tenerife for two months… which ended up being nine! Not only did we attend their wedding in the Netherlands, but we are also the international godparents of their son, Fedde,” adds Daniel.
Airbnb says its platform encourages everyone to be part of the solution and focuses on using all available resources to achieve this. By understanding how discrimination can occur on Airbnb, they improve the user experience and strengthen their policies.
