As local travel opens up in South Africa, we’re celebrating hosts on Airbnb

South Africa’s move to Level 2 restrictions means all tourism accommodation is now open. The Airbnb team in South Africa wanted to take a moment to celebrate this and to thank hosts for their support over the last few months. 

In a video addressed to hosts in South Africa, Velma Corcoran, Airbnb Country Manager for sub-saharan Africa acknowledged the difficulties hosts have faced during lockdown. Despite these personal challenges, hosts reached out and helped their communities. From making and donating face masks towards the Get Behind the Mask campaign, to providing us with information on how COVID-19 has impacted them, to bringing positivity, hope and energy to the many digital meetups we’ve held over the last few months.

Watch the video in full below.

We believe it is through the continued efforts of hosts that policy makers have recognised their contribution and hosts on Airbnb can now welcome guests once more. 

This local team has been busy behind the scenes preparing for this moment. We are proud that we can now offer hosts the Airbnb Enhanced Cleaning Protocol. The Protocol not only offers support and advice but it also shows guests that hosts on Airbnb are committed to a stricter cleaning process. 

As the country gradually emerges from this crisis, hosts on Airbnb will be at the forefront of welcoming the world back to South Africa.