Melbourne Airbnb Hosts set to welcome guests for major events

Key Takeaways

  • Airbnb Hosts in Melbourne are set to benefit from the influx of visitors to Melbourne for the tennis and Taylor Swift concerts this year
  • With the rising cost of living, Airbnb Hosts could pocket an average $2,000 income during this in-demand period
  • Searches for Melbourne during the tennis are up over 30% on last year while searches during the upcoming Taylor Swift concert grew by over 300%

Key Takeaways

  • Airbnb Hosts in Melbourne are set to benefit from the influx of visitors to Melbourne for the tennis and Taylor Swift concerts this year
  • With the rising cost of living, Airbnb Hosts could pocket an average $2,000 income during this in-demand period
  • Searches for Melbourne during the tennis are up over 30% on last year while searches during the upcoming Taylor Swift concert grew by over 300%

With the Grand Slam in Melbourne underway and the Taylor Swift concert taking place in February, Airbnb is encouraging residents to share their home to help their city handle the increased demand for accommodation as competitors, organisers, media and fans from across the globe descend on Melbourne for two of the biggest events on the Australian – and international – calendar. 

With event organisers and city representatives already predicting a surge in visitors for both events, Airbnb data shows there has been an over 30% increase in searches in Melbourne for the 2024 tennis tournament1 and a 300% increase in searches for bookings in Melbourne for the dates of Taylor Swift’s tour kick off2

Susan Wheeldon, Airbnb’s Country Manager for Australia and New Zealand has said, “There has never been a better time for people living in Melbourne and surrounding suburbs to consider becoming a Host. New and existing Airbnb Hosts provide a vital lifeline to event organisers by providing greater accommodation capacity, whilst offsetting their own rising living costs.

“Hosting on Airbnb is a great way to help showcase the city of Melbourne and surrounding suburbs and all of the qualities that make it so special. Not only is it one of the top 24 trending destinations for Airbnb travellers globally for 2024, but it is also host to many exciting major events next year including the tennis, the Taylor Swift concert, the F1, the Moto GP and of course the Spring Racing Carnival.

“Hosts on Airbnb play a valuable role in making guests feel extremely welcome and our Melbourne Hosts are no exception as they help to point guests in the direction of the best hidden gems and local businesses to support.

“With an incredible range of options to suit every preference and budget including private rooms that offer an affordable option with stays at just over $100 a night on average, there are huge benefits for both guests and Hosts during these events.”

Locals have in the past pocketed on average over $2,000 by hosting during the tennis3 – equivalent to nearly double a week’s extra pay for the median Australian household4.

A recent report by Oxford Economics shows Airbnb guests travelling to Victoria spent over $3.1-billion  in the 12 months to March 2023, $1.6-billion of that in Greater Melbourne, and supported nearly 26,000 jobs across the state.

This January, the best international tennis stars from across the globe will compete in what is considered one of the biggest annual international sporting events and in February, global superstar Taylor Swift will host her worldwide tour in Melbourne and Sydney.

1 Search growth for check ins in Melbourne between Australian Open dates for 14 – 28 January 2024 compared to the Australian Open dates for the previous year, 15 – 29 January 2023

2 Compared to the week before * 4-10 Feb 2024

3 Based on Melbourne Hosts’ median earnings during the Australian Open period from Jan 20 – Feb 2 2020 of $416 USD, based on the conversion rate as at 2 February 2020

4 ABS, Median weekly earnings are $1,300 for employees in Australia (August 2023)