Airbnb’s Caribbean hosts typically make US$3,700 a year

Airbnb senior management recently met with the Secretary General of the Caribbean Tourism Organization to discuss matters of common interest.

AirBNB announced that in 2017 over 1.6 million guests booked accommodation in the Caribbean through the platform, an increase of 117 percent compared to 2016. Hosts set their desired listing price on the platform and pay a 3 percent commission to Airbnb for its platform services, allowing them to pocket 97 percent of the nightly rate. In the Caribbean, a typical host earned $3,700 USD in the last 12 months.

Through collaboration with local stakeholders, Airbnb indicated that it has demonstrated its commitment to support healthy tourism and has signed collaboration or voluntary tax collection agreements with 14 countries in the region.

"Airbnb is deeply committed to the Caribbean and we are proud to take this next step with the CTO to advance our mission of local, authentic, and sustainable travel in the region. The platform helps diversify the tourism sector, attract new travelers, and empower over 50,000 hosts across the region", said Chris Lehane, Head of Global Policy and Public Affairs for Airbnb.

Earlier this year, Airbnb and the Puerto Rico Tourism Company (PRTC) agreed to launch a destination marketing campaign to highlight the island, in addition to cementing a lodging tax collection agreement. Puerto Rico collaborated with Airbnb on a series of targeted efforts, including the launch of Airbnb’s popular Experiences feature on the island to help drive tourism in the country as it rebuilds following Hurricane Maria.

Airbnb will continue working with Caribbean governments to promote the benefits of visiting the Caribbean to help stimulate inclusive, sustainable tourism throughout the region.
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The top Caribbean destinations for Airbnb are: 
1. U.S. Virgin Islands
2. Puerto Rico
3. Cayman Islands
4. Antigua and Barbuda
5. Grenada
6. Bahamas
7. Jamaica
8. Martinique
9. Bonaire
10. St. Lucia