Scotland has always had a healthy international market as a top destination, but travel restrictions over the past 18 months have seen many holidaymakers move closer to home for weekend breaks and longer stays.
Airbnb is playing a key role in kickstarting post-pandemic recovery in the region, which benefits from the jobs it creates in local communities at this crucial time.
The local tourism economy already sees £70m and 3,300* jobs supported by Airbnb customers in the region each year, both by customers staying in accommodation listed on Airbnb and by businesses in their chain. supply. Airbnb is now launching new initiatives and campaigns to further strengthen the local economy.
Airbnb has announced a £200,000 Edinburgh Community Fund, which is generated by £5 from every stay that took place in Edinburgh in August, plus additional funds from Airbnb. The money will be donated to good local causes and the first four recipients will be announced shortly.
Paula Ward, Regional Leadership Director at VisitScotland, said: “We welcome Airbnb’s decision to create a community fund and use its network of accommodation providers in Edinburgh to reinvest in the local community. This is an excellent practical example of how to redistribute the benefits of tourism to groups within communities. Tourism brings so much to the city, it is a force for good, creating economic and social value in every corner of Scotland and improving the well-being of all who experience it.
Airbnb aims to spread the economic benefits of tourism to more rural and lesser-known areas of the region. While city breaks and the Highlands are usually at the top of the wish list, Airbnb says the Lowlands has a lot to offer.
Amanda Cupples, General Manager for Northern Europe at Airbnb, said: “We want to shine a light on the often overlooked stays and experiences the Lowlands have to offer, from independent distilleries and one-of-a-kind bookstores to a dark sky preserve. and captivating coasts.
The campaign not only targets tourists, but also encourages businesses to offer accommodation space or provide an Airbnb experience for tourists.
According to research by BiGGAR Economics commissioned by Airbnb, travel on Airbnb boosts the Scottish economy by £677m a year and supports over 33,500 Scottish jobs and almost £70m a year in income in the Lowlands .
*Based on a 2020 study by BiGGAR Economics, commissioned by Airbnb
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