SA's more seasoned citizens embrace Airbnb hosting

©Ruslan Huzau via 123RF

Seniors account for more than 4,000 listings across South Africa, up from 1,400 at this time last year. Airbnb is a trusted community marketplace for people to list, discover, and book unique accommodation around the world – online or from a mobile phone. Seniors, especially those who have retired, are joining to earn income while doing something they love – meeting strangers from around the world and sharing the best of South African hospitality with them.

Listings from seniors grew 182% year-on-year to September 2016, outpacing every other age group by at least 10%. By contrast, the 50 to 59-year-old demographic grew 173%, the 40 to 49-year-old group by 169% and the 30 to 39-year-old demographic by 157%.

Not surprisingly, many of South Africa’s senior Airbnb hosts reside in popular coastal retirement destinations. There are 135 senior hosts in Hermanus, or 29% of the listings in the Western Cape seaside town. Other towns with a high proportion of senior hosts are:

• Port Alfred – 28%
• Grabouw, Knysna and Swellendam – 26%
• Mossel Bay– 25%

And the experience the more seasoned hosts provide to their guests is stellar: South African hosts in their 40s and 50s get the highest percentage of five-star reviews from guests. Seniors come in third.