The platform reports a median annual income of US$3,000 per host in the Dominican Republic, while women represent more than half of those offering accommodations in the country
SANTO DOMINGO.– The number of active Airbnb hosts increased by more than 40% in Monte Cristi and Baní during the last year, while in Pedernales the growth exceeded 20%, according to data released by the tourist accommodation platform.
This increase reflects the expansion of short-term rentals into locations outside traditional tourist destinations, where homeowners and small entrepreneurs find opportunities to generate income by hosting visitors.
According to information provided by Airbnb, the median annual earnings of a host in the Dominican Republic reach US$3,000, equivalent to supplementary income for those who participate in this accommodation model.
In this context, the company argues that this approach also helps to diversify the tourism offering and channel some of travelers' spending towards commercial establishments in the host communities.
Women represent more than 50% of the hosts
Furthermore, female participation is another highlight in Airbnb's data, as women represent more than half of the hosts registered nationwide.
In particular, in San José de Ocoa, women make up almost 60% of the hosts who have their gender registered, while in Barahona they exceed 50%.
In this regard, the platform points out that renting out residential spaces allows some families to obtain additional resources without needing to develop a commercial activity outside their homes.
However, the figures presented do not specify the income broken down by province or the profitability differences between male and female hosts.
Recommendations favor local restaurants and businesses
Regarding the impact on communities, more than 20% of guests who participated in an Airbnb survey indicated that they probably or definitely would not have visited the area or neighborhood where they stayed had they not booked accommodation through the platform.
Furthermore, the results show the influence of hosts on visitors' consumption decisions, especially in gastronomic establishments and recreational activities.
In that regard, 54% of the travelers surveyed received restaurant recommendations from their hosts, while 20% received suggestions about outdoor activities, such as trails and natural parks.
Similarly, about 20% received guidance on places of cultural and historical interest.
For their part, the data provided indicate that 45% of the recommendations were concentrated in establishments and attractions located within the same neighborhood as the accommodation.
As a result of this dynamic, restaurants, small businesses, artisans, and tourism service providers operating in communities with fewer visitors can benefit from increased consumer traffic.
Tourist rentals are expanding into new destinations
In other news, the growth recorded in Monte Cristi, Baní and Pedernales shows a greater presence of hosts in localities seeking to expand their participation in national tourism activity.
In this way, the availability of short-stay housing offers accommodation alternatives to visitors and represents an income opportunity for property owners.
In turn, the recommendations of the hosts can help tourists discover attractions and establishments that are not part of the traditional circuits.
However, the data released by Airbnb corresponds to indicators of activity on the platform itself and does not allow us to determine on its own the total economic impact of tourist rentals in the aforementioned provinces.
Furthermore, the information does not specify the absolute number of active hosts in each location or the volume of resources received by businesses near the accommodations.
In short, despite these limitations, the figures show an expansion of accommodation supply through digital platforms and a significant participation of women in this type of real estate and tourism activity.
Recommended readings:
- Airbnb highlights the impact of travelers on commerce and communities in the Dominican Republic
- Airbnb conditions support for the registration of short-term rental properties in the Dominican Republic; suggests it be promoted through Congress
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- Airbnb was the one that alerted ADORECO about the public consultation that expires on July 22
