Senior Airbnb Hosts in Australia among world’s best

With travel close to returning, Airbnb is celebrating its senior Australian Hosts, who rank among the highest globally when it comes to guest review scores and Host earnings.

Airbnb’s mission is to build connection and a world where everyone can belong, and Australia is home to one of the highest proportions of Hosts aged over 60 in the world (20%), after New Zealand (27%), South Africa (22%), France and Ireland (21%), and equal with the US. The global average is 15%.

The top five destinations with the most senior Hosts are Hobart (TAS), Caloundra (QLD), Nowra (NSW), Adelaide (SA), and Newcastle (NSW).

Senior Hosts on average also have more favourable guest ratings scores than all other Hosts. In Australia, the average rating for senior Hosts is 4.85 (second highest reviewed globally after New Zealand, and on par with the US), compared to the total Australian average of 4.77, and above the average rating for senior Hosts globally of 4.82.

Part of the motivation for some Hosts listing their property on Airbnb is to supplement their income to ease the cost of living or achieve other financial goals, and for seniors who have retired, the income from their listing is especially important. Average senior Host earnings in Australia rank among the highest  globally, coming in third with an average of just over AUD $8,000 per year.

The top earning destinations for senior Hosts on Airbnb are Nelson Bay (NSW), Albany (WA), Apollo Bay (VIC), Leura (NSW), and Margaret River (WA).

From examining guest data, it’s also clear that older people in Australia are embracing Airbnb when it comes to travel.  Senior guests make up 9% of all stays booked in Australia*, well above the 6% global average, ranking only behind New Zealand (11%) and Denmark (10%). 

The top trending summer destinations for senior guests are Saint Lucia (QLD), Wembley (WA), Darlinghurst (NSW), Kalgoorlie (WA), and Darwin (NT).

Susan Wheeldon, Airbnb’s Country Manager for Australia and New Zealand, said:

“These figures demonstrate how Airbnb can empower anyone of any age to take their most significant asset – their own home – and turn it into an income engine. Many senior Hosts on Airbnb share their own home to help combat rising costs of living and meet mortgage repayments. In turn, these Hosts help drive economic growth and job creation in their local area, with many small businesses relying on the valuable tourism dollars spent by Airbnb guests.”

“In a world where we’re craving connection and belonging, senior Hosts on Airbnb play a pivotal role in making guests feel extremely welcome, wherever they choose to travel and this is certainly reflected in our guest review scores. By rolling out their welcome mats, our senior Hosts really reap the rewards of meeting new people from all corners of the country and indeed the world.

“It’s easy to become a Host on Airbnb – in fact our simplified process means you can become a Host in just 10 easy steps. You’re in full control of your availability, prices, house rules, and how you interact with guests and each and every reservation is covered for free by our Million Dollar Host Guarantee and our Host Protection Insurance.”

Along with these economic benefits, hosting itself offers a means of connection for older adults, by welcoming visitors to their community and sharing their passions and personal stories with their guests. 89 year-old Superhost Elizabeth began sharing her Croydon, Victoria residence at the encouragement of a friend after the passing of her husband. For her, the best part of hosting is allowing her to meet new people from all over the world.

“It’s the best thing I ever did, as I’ve met the most wonderful people hosting, many of whom have booked two or three times with me. My children weren’t so sure about me opening my home, but I said, ‘I’m doing it’, and it just allowed me to remain connected and not feel isolated and alone,” stated Elizabeth.