India ripe for BnB biz, says AirBnB CEO

05th May 2016
India ripe for BnB biz, says AirBnB CEO
From left: Nathan Blecharczyk, Co-Founder and CTO, Airbnb , Amol Surve, Airbnb’s first ever guest, Amanpreet Bajaj, Country Manager, Airbnb India with host Mandira Bedi at the Airbnb event in New Delhi May 4 2016

New Delhi, May 4, 2016: Airbnb, the world’s leading community­driven hospitality company, today announced travel on the platform in India has nearly tripled in the last year, positioning it as one of the fastest growing markets in the world.
The news comes  while Airbnb co­founder Nathan Blecharczykis in India  this week where he welcomed positive news by the Indian government to introduce progressive rules to encourage home sharing. In April, the Indian tourism ministry indicated it would be reviewing the current laws and regulations in regards to home sharing to make it easier for people to have the chance to experience Indian hospitality.
“Countries all over the world continue to embrace home sharing, and we are excited that India is at the forefront of this movement,” said Nathan Blecharczyk, Airbnb co­founder and CTO. “For countless families, home sharing is an economic lifeline. It helps everyday people around the world turn one of their greatest assets into a tool to make ends meet. In a country like India where technology is unlocking new and exciting opportunities, I am thrilled the government is keen to make it easier for locals to be part of the sharing economy.”
India is a large and growing travel market that is set to pass the $40 billion dollar mark by 2020. As increasing numbers of travelers are looking for new ways to experience the world, Airbnb helps give Indian travelers the chance to truly live like a local in unique accommodations in top destinations for India including France, Italy, UK, United States and Australia.
“Not only does Airbnb connect Indians with unique, local and authentic experiences, it also allows them to be microentrepreneurs by serving as hosts and showing the incredible hospitality our country has to offer,” said Amanpreet Bajaj, Airbnb’s India country manager. “Hosts in India are everyday people, Mums and Dads, using their hosting income to support their families.”
Airbnb has hosted more than 80 million guests since the company was founded in 2008 and has more than two million listings in more than 190 countries.