Airbnb launched its recent campaign called “That’s Why We Airbnb” in Goa. The campaign is aimed at celebrating the spirit of individuality and people’s love for travel. Interestingly, Goa is an extremely important market for Airbnb, as one of its brand films is also set in Goa. The Goan in an exclusive conversation with Amanpreet Bajaj, country manager, Airbnb India.
Karan Sehgal
The Goan: The theme of your campaign is individuality and freedom. What made you choose this theme and why Goa for the event?
Amanpreet Bajaj: The theme of our campaign -- That’s Why We Airbnb, highlights the fact that Airbnb is for anyone and everyone, who desires authentic travel on his own terms. Individuality and acceptance are key pillars of our thriving people-powered community and that is the impetus for choosing our campaign theme.
Every individual has his own reason to travel, be it food, the love for discovery or a chance to spend quality time with loved ones. But, at the same time, there is also a desire in a traveller to experience new places in more meaningful, personalised and engaging ways -- and our campaign is simply an extension of that.
Goa is one of Airbnb’s fastest growing markets in India. This is a testament to our enterprising host community as well as the increasing interest in Goa from travellers. One of our two films is also set in the beautiful State of Goa, which is why we felt that there couldn’t be a more apt location to celebrate the launch of our campaign.
TG: In the tourism market in Goa, where exactly did Airbnb see a gap, which it is trying to fill?
AB: As one of the most sought after vacation destinations, Goa undoubtedly has a lot more in store for travellers, beyond its beautiful beaches. Airbnb not only offers its guests a wide selection of listings but also gives them an opportunity to discover, book and list unique accommodations like a 400-year-old Portuguese villa, luxurious apartment facing the sea or a heritage home with private beach in Goa and basic home-stay options for budget travellers. Airbnb is a global platform and therefore even small local players in the tourism space get discovered on Airbnb.
Airbnb is fast becoming a platform that enables micro-entrepreneurship for homeowners all across the country. We have widened the scope of what people had come to expect from travel stays. Besides, homeowners have also found a sustainable mode of living by hosting tourists. This is further encouraging local citizens to make their livelihood in their own hometown, rather than migrating to other cities.
Looking at the immense demand for the market, Airbnb also launched Experiences in Goa, which offers unprecedented access to local passions and interests, guided by local people and communities. With close to 30 Airbnb Experiences in Goa, travellers can opt from some of the most unique and interesting experiences such as A Goan Tapas Experience, SUP Surf and Dolphin Watching, Chandor-The Ancient Goa Heritage Trail and many more. With these continued efforts, Airbnb is aiming to elevate Goa on the world map and ensure that our hosts are empowered to push the limits of hospitality in unique and unexpected ways.
TG: There is a severe tourism slowdown in Goa, as the last season witnessed fewer travellers. How was the experience of Airbnb?
AB: Airbnb holds a high brand awareness among inbound travellers. Being an all season destination, Goa continues to be a tourist attraction spot. There has been an immense exposure on the growing segment of young millennial and young urban traveller.
For Airbnb, Goa is a key market in the country and it has shown exceptional performance over the years. In the year 2018, we witnessed 71% year-on-year increase in the number of guest stays and 64% year-on-year increase in nights booked.
TG: What is going to be Airbnb’s strategy in Goa in the next 2 to 3 years?
AB: Airbnb has always strived to provide tailored, unique and quality travel experiences to all. Our mission is to create a world where anyone can belong anywhere. To advance that mission, Airbnb is focused on re-imagining travel by building an end-to-end travel platform that combines where travellers stay, what they do, and how they get there, all in one place.
With the latest campaign, we’re trying to encourage travellers to travel more, and explore the world, no holds barred. We believe Airbnb can play a purposeful part in many lives – whether it is a couple looking for ‘us’ time, families who want to grow and experience new places together, individuals pursuing passions, or friends who just want to spend time with each other in their own way.
Markets like India are leading global tourism trends and play a crucial role in attracting travellers to all our key regions. That’s why Airbnb’s growth in India has been phenomenal on all fronts and Goa, has played a key role in that growth. We aim to accelerate this growth in 2019 with a continued focus on the urban Indian traveller for both their domestic and outbound travel needs.
With almost 50,000 Airbnb listings on the platform in India, we are now working towards achieving 1billion Airbnb users in the next ten years. Needless to say, India, along with its key markets, will play an important role in helping us achieve that goal. We are excited for the future and remain dedicated to maintaining a healthy stream of inbound travel to Goa. Further, we will strive to use the power of Airbnb’s global community network and provide a global footprint to our local hosts.
