UK: Airbnb has signed a landmark agreement with the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, England, to become the official hosting provider for the multi-sport event.
Described as the “biggest multi-sport event ever in the West Midlands”, Birmingham 2022 is expected to attract more than one million spectators to the city from around the world, as well as around 4,500 athletes from 72 Commonwealth nations and territories. Airbnb and Birmingham 2022 are therefore encouraging locals from Birmingham and the West Midlands to welcome the influx of visitors whilst also earning additional income.
After being announced as an official Worldwide Olympic and Paralympic Partner in an estimated $500 million deal in November 2019, and previously partnering with the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Airbnb says that it can demonstrate a “long history” of helping cities accommodate big events while generating benefits for local families and communities, including last year’s COP26 in Glasgow.
The intention behind the home-sharing partnership is to contribute to the legacy of Birmingham 2022, and spreading the benefits beyond city centres and hotel districts to communities which may otherwise be overlooked. With the majority of listings on Airbnb in Birmingham being located outside of the city centre, Airbnb wants to flexibly increase the number of guests that can be accommodated without expensive building and infrastructure projects, thereby providing a more sustainable way of managing the surge in visitors.
In a press release, Airbnb quoted the rise in the cost of living as a way for locals and families to supplement their income by renting out space in their homes.
According to the company, Glaswegian hosts earned an average of £3,000 through hosting during the two weeks of COP26 last year.
Amanda Cupples, general manager for Northern Europe at Airbnb, said: “Birmingham 2022 is a fantastic opportunity to showcase the West Midlands and what better way for visitors to experience the region than sharing the home of a local. This festival of sport gives local families the chance to boost their income, as many battle one of the most difficult cost of living crises in decades.
“Since its conception, Airbnb has helped local families afford their homes, and helped cities meet surges in demand around major events, and we are excited to partner with the Games and West Midlands Growth Company to help make Birmingham 2022 a success,” she added.
David Grady, chief financial officer at the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games, said: “We are proud to welcome Airbnb to our sponsor family, as the official hosting provider for the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games. Airbnb is a world-renowned brand known for bringing people together from across the world – so what could be more fitting for a Games that connects every corner of the Commonwealth.
“This partnership gives locals every opportunity to earn extra income this summer, while giving visitors a genuine chance to experience the Games amongst the wonderful people of the region,” he added.
Andy Street, the Mayor of the West Midlands, said: “With more than a million people from all over the world expected to visit Birmingham and the West Midlands over the course of the Commonwealth Games later this summer, I am delighted that Airbnb has come onboard as the official hosting provider for Birmingham 2022.
“This move means that as well as locals having the opportunity to earn additional income through home sharing, visitors will also get to experience our great region in an even more authentic and connected way.
“Birmingham and the West Midlands is excited about offering both athletes and visitors a unique and one-of-a-kind Games, and this partnership is testament to that,” he added.
Katie Sadleir, CEO of the Commonwealth Games Federation, said: “We are delighted to partner with Airbnb as they become the official hosting provider for the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games. As the start of the Games quickly approaches, having a reputable online hosting service like Airbnb on board means all visitors to Birmingham and the West Midlands will have the opportunity to experience the Games in the most comfortable and original way possible – while also bringing fantastic benefits for local hosts.”
Last month, Airbnb unveiled its Healthy Tourism Commitment to fuel the sustainable recovery of tourism in the UK, including a pledge to help spread tourism and its benefits to more communities around the country, particularly in urban areas.
Those interested in hosting on Airbnb during the 2022 Commonwealth Games are encouraged to follow this link.
Airbnb is also recruiting for Community Leaders to bring hosts together in Birmingham to connect, collaborate and share their experiences of hosting throughout the Games, as well as to lead the local Birmingham Host Club.
