This is thanks to a partnership between Pacific Trade Invest (P.T.I.) Australia and Airbnb who have joined forces to bring an inaugural series of Airbnb workshops to Samoa.
The initiative is part of their Digital Tourism programme.
The first Airbnb Pacific workshop will be held in Samoa on 14 February, 2018, and is being facilitated by the Samoa Tourism Authority (S.T.A.).
Divided into two sessions, session one of the workshop starts at 9:30am and focuses on training for existing Airbnb hosts, session two begins at 12.30pm and looks at learning about Airbnb and how to become a host.
General Manager Investment and Tourism for P.T.I. Australia, Chad Morris, says Airbnb is a great opportunity for local Samoans to generate extra income.
“Airbnb a great opportunity for Samoan families to generate some extra income from a spare room or fale they may have,” he said.
“Currently there are only 60 active hosts in Samoa who earn about US$2,700 (T$6,700) a year, so we know the demand is there.
“This is why P.T.I. Australia has partnered with Airbnb, we see it’s important that we bring these workshops to the Pacific so more people can learn and take advantage of the opportunity that Airbnb provides.
“Pacific Islanders are naturally amazing hosts; we’re seeing the emergence of a new type of traveller who looks for a different holiday experience, travellers that may have not considered the Pacific Islands before.
“We really appreciate the support of the Samoan Tourism Authority as our on the ground partner in helping facilitate the workshops and the Samoan Chamber of Commerce who’s supporting us to get the message out to the business community.
“It’s fantastic to have both these organisations onboard showing their support. Airbnb is a great fit for the Pacific as it takes a community approach; it’s also a simple process for the host to list and take bookings that doesn’t require access to a computer. If you have an extra room or fale I highly recommend you take advantage of the free workshop and come meet the team from Airbnb and hear what it’s about.”
Founded in 2008, Airbnb is a trusted community marketplace for people to list, discover, and book unique accommodations around the world – online or from a mobile phone.
Whether it’s a beach fale for a night, a castle for a week or an entire house for a month, Airbnb connects people to unique travel experiences at any price point in more than 65,000 cities and 191 countries.
With a growing community of users, Airbnb provides an easy way for families to make extra income from the additional space they have by showcasing what they have to offer to an audience of millions.
To reserve your spot at the Airbnb workshop, contact Kristian Scanlan, Samoan Tourism Authority e: Kristian@samoa.travel t: 63509 by Thursday 1 February 2018.