Convenient and affordable rental site Airbnb is available in 190 countries. The worldwide headquarters is located San Francisco, but the company recently opened up its Canadian office in Toronto within MaRS. In a press release today, Airbnb singled out the love for Montreal, stating they have assisted with “positive impacts” and its community contributed $54.6-million in total economic activity in the last year (between April 2013 and March 2014).
Airbnb conducted a study positive economic, social, and environmental contributions to Canadian communities. Montreal is the first of its kind for a Canadian city and Airbnb notes that travelers who use accommodations through its service enjoy longer stays and spend more money in Montreal area, and are also more likely to stay in areas outside of typical tourist zones, thus visit and spend money at local businesses. The average stay is 5 nights and spend $909, compared to typical visitors who stay an average of 2.7 nights and spend $760.
“Montreal residents have established a vibrant Airbnb community, sharing unique experiences with travelers from around the world and forging strong local community connections in Montreal,” said Airbnb Canada Country Manager Aaron Zifkin. “Airbnb is having a clear, positive impact on the Montreal market, as well as the city’s tourism industry, neighbourhood businesses and local households. This study further reinforces what we have learned from our findings in other cities: that Airbnb offers tangible global benefits and gives travelers the chance to belong anywhere.”
The study revealed that 2,900 Montreal hosts welcomed guests into their homes.