From giving back to economic impact: A big year for Canada

We’re wrapping up the year with a red and white bow, celebrating the travel revolution and toasting the year that was in Canada. It’s been a big 2022 for travel in Canada, and an even bigger year for Canadians turning to hosting on Airbnb. As the year comes to a close, we’re highlighting some of the best, brightest and boldest Canadian travel stories here at Airbnb. 

A new wave of Canadians on Airbnb 

Amidst a rising cost of living crisis, earning much-needed additional income has never been more important. This is leading to a new wave of Canadians considering hosting for the first time. With Canadians having more flexibility than ever before comes the ability to occasionally share their space. In fact, new private rooms listings added to the platform are up more than 70 percent in Canada between Q3 2021 and Q3 2022.

And Hosts are earning more than ever before. Last year, the typical Host on Airbnb in Canada earned approximately $10,300¹, and total Host earnings globally have increased by 30 percent in Q3 compared to the same time last year.

What’s more, is that Canadian Hosts are using this additional income to help cover rising costs, mortgage payments and everyday essentials. In our annual survey of Hosts and guests² , 44 percent of Hosts in Canada said the money they’ve earned through hosting has helped them stay in their home, while 44 percent also say they’ve used the extra money to pay for food and other items that have become more expensive.

And during peak summer travel season, Canadians are tapping into the travel revolution. This past summer alone, the typical Host in Canada earned more than $7,700³.

An influx of visitor spending in Canada

While extra income earned is making a difference for Canadian Hosts, guest spending is making a difference in communities across the country. Our annual survey of Hosts and guests² show that guests in Canada spend over $200 per night, per guest during their stay. And more than half of guest total spending was in the neighborhood of their listing, helping to support businesses in the community like retailers, restaurants and mom and pop shops. 

Delivering more than $120 million in taxes to communities across Canada in the first nine months of 2022

Our community of Hosts and guests not only support the economic vitality of the cities and towns in Canada, they also support all three levels of government through critical tax collection and remittance. 

In Canada, we collected and remitted more than $120 million in taxes in the first nine months of the year⁴. These taxes are key revenue-generating mechanisms for communities across the country – supporting pandemic recovery, and bringing much-need funds to local governments, and helping to fund essential services and infrastructure needed for thriving communities. Taxes collected and remitted include):

• Canada (GST/HST): over $43 million
• BC: over $53 million 
• Quebec: over $19 million
• City of Toronto: over $5.5 million

Showing support for Ukraine

Canadian Airbnb Hosts opened their doors during a time in need with glowing hearts. In 2022, Airbnb.org mobilized its network of humanitarian organizations, Hosts and donors to provide free temporary housing to people fleeing the war in Ukraine – and Canadians stepped up by showing their support. 

More than 2,300 people fleeing the war in Ukraine were provided free temporary housing in Canada thanks to the generous support of Canadian Hosts. The support from Canadians across the country is part of a global effort by the Airbnb.org network of humanitarian organizations, Hosts and donors provide housing to people fleeing Ukraine with now more than 115,000 housed to date around the world. Canadians interested in continuing to show their support for Airbnb.org’s mission can visit airbnb.org.

Promoting Indigenous experiences

In 2022, we continued our partnership with the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC) to highlight Indigenous sites and tourism experiences. This year, we invited guests from near and far to immerse themselves in the culture, traditions, food and history of Indigenous Peoples in Canada, and in doing so, supporting Indigenous Hosts, small business and communities across the country. We’re thrilled that our partnership with ITAC will continue in 2023 as a sponsor of the International Indigenous Tourism Conference. 

OMG! It’s Theodore TOO on Airbnb

In 2022, we launched Categories – a new way to search – including OMG! This summer, the life-size iconic Canadian tugboat, Theodore TOO became the latest entry to join the ranks of OMG! – capturing the attention of seafarers around the world, and showcasing Hamilton, Ontario to new travellers. 

While Theodore wowed guests this summer, two upcoming Canadian Hosts are set to welcome guests for their own out-of-this-world listing  Kate C from Vancouver Island and Melissa W from Saskatchewan were selected as recipients from tens of thousands of entries for their unique and inspiring design as part of the $10 million OMG! Fund. Kate and Melissa will receive up to $100,000 to make their fantastical creations possible, and over the course of the winter and spring, will design, construct and outfit their spaces to be guest-ready by Summer 2023. 

With 2022 coming to a close, all eyes are turning to 2023 and the year in travel. Find out more about our 2023 winter travel trends and the Categories and destinations inspiring travellers in Canada and around the world.