Airbnb: Sustainable Travel Made Easy

"Imagine a world where every trip leaves a positive impact. That's the vision behind Airbnb. In 2021, they pledged to achieve net-zero emissions by 2030, reflecting their commitment to sustainability through educating hosts on energy-efficient listing practices. 

Mich Goh, Head of Public Policy, SEA, India, Hong Kong & Taiwan, shares her insights on prioritising sustainability, cultural preservation, and economic empowerment. In this interview, she talks about the consumer trends that are emerging in travel and how they have made product tweaks to revolutionise the way travellers pick their destination spots and contribute to the planning of group itineraries.

She dives into,

• Championing Local Priorities: By collaborating with local organizations, Airbnb showcases unique destinations and promotes sustainable tourism practices.F or instance, they worked with the Destination Marketing Organisation in New Zealand to deliver the Tiaki Promise!
• Cultural Preservation: Airbnb goes beyond environmental initiatives by focusing on cultural integrity. Their commissioned study with Economist Impact highlights travelers’ growing desire for conscious travel, ensuring that visitors understand and respect the communities they engage with.
• Empowering Eco-Friendly Hosts: Airbnb is actively educating hosts on ways to reduce carbon emissions and enhance energy efficiency, make their listings eco-friendlier.
• Product Innovation: Airbnb is updating its platform to meet the evolving needs of travellers such as seamless booking processes, itinerary planning, hidden gems and extraordinary experiences. Today’s travelers are increasingly seeking accommodations before finalizing their destination choices!
• Reviving Unique Local Experiences: The increase of Ryokan listings, located outside urban centers, allows travelers to immerse themselves in rich local cultures while boosting tourism and economic opportunities in those areas—a true win-win for communities and visitors alike!