Women are driving Airbnb’s SuperHost community in the Philippines, with Filipinos making up more than 62% of all hosts*, new data shows. Many of them have become backbones in their local communities—employing other women in rural areas, welcoming local and international travelers into their homes and communities enthusiastically, and boosting local economic activity as travel rebounds.
While women have been disproportionately affected by the pandemic over the past two years, many have found that hosting through Airbnb is an important way for them to support their families, pursue their passions, and achieve success. In fact, in 2021, female hosts worldwide will receive a higher percentage of 5-star reviews (91%) than male hosts (89%)**.
Manila also has the largest number of female Airbnb hosts in the country, followed by Quezon, Cebu and Tagaytay***. Notably, despite hosting during a small window of opportunity due to last year’s start-stop order on travel restrictions, new female Airbnb hosts starting hosting in 2021 have grossed over PHP 8 million between January and June*** *.
“It is important to us to empower and create opportunities for more Filipinos to become entrepreneurs in the tourism industry. Hear from our hosts first-hand about how hosts can benefit them and how they continue to engage with guests and the local community It’s been incredibly inspiring to share their warmth and hospitality. Our female hosts are incredibly diverse – they include mothers, nomads, small business owners, and women in virtually every industry. Airbnb remains committed to increasing the number of host communities every year Diversity, including the number of our female hosts,” said Mich Goh, head of public policy at Airbnb in Southeast Asia, India, Hong Kong and Taiwan.
Top Female Airbnb Superhosts in the Philippines
Emily Avelino is one of the top rated Superhosts in the Philippines, with the highest 5-star rating in the country, and she runs two comfortable Airbnb accommodations in the mountains of Rizal. Emily used to work for the company and retired early to focus more on her family.
She shared: “When I’m homeschooling, I pray for the opportunity to still be with my kids while doing something meaningful that I love. I love that I can now host and respond to my guests from anywhere, Even if I’m at the grocery store or with my kids – you don’t have to sacrifice family time! Today we hire mountain locals to help us run both listings, most of them working students or mothers because of the care children without being able to work full-time.”
Hosting on Airbnb provides Superhost Emily with extra income while still serving her family Emily loves going the extra mile for her guests, including arranging events and special celebrations for them
During the pandemic, when guests requested last-minute cancellations due to health and travel concerns, Emily went out of their way to get a full refund. She also purchased hospital-grade vacuums and air purifiers, and regularly tests all employees. She added: “In a pandemic, there are a lot of uncontrollable factors. But what I love most is hearing how my guests enjoy spending time with their loved ones at my home after being locked up for so long during the pandemic.”
When Filipino superhost Luz Refe retired from a corporate role in the hospitality industry, she started hosting travelers through Airbnb, “I use Airbnb when I travel abroad and have always enjoyed staying with locals because I can experience a more The authentic way to travel. Airbnb allows me to continue to share my passion for hospitality, to make meaningful connections with strangers and travelers, and to help them learn about Manila — which really brings me joy.”
For Superhost Luz, hosting on Airbnb brings her incredible joy
Luz has hosted hundreds of guests, but her favorite memories are of those who made her a part of their lives, even for a short time. She recently hosted a solo traveler who was working on his U.S. immigration papers, checking him daily with snacks and tea, and celebrating together when he finally got his papers. With her lively personality and great passion for people, Luz has been able to use her hosting income to invest in a small cafe.
For Filipinos who are considering joining the Airbnb host community, both Luz and Emily have the same advice, go for it. Hosting a host has been an exciting and rewarding adventure for the two of them, and for thousands of female hosts across the Philippines.
Airbnb makes it easier than ever to become an Airbnb host, with an updated onboarding process that takes just 10 steps and offers tons of unique resources and support, such as the ability to pick an Airbnb superhost brain. last year, Airbnb Launched AirCover, which provides top-down protection for every Airbnb host for free, with $1 million in damage protection and $1 million in liability coverage.Filipinos interested in hosting can learn more at https://www.airbnb.com/host/homes.
