New social connections and additional income are among the benefits waiting for seniors across New South Wales with the State Government entering a partnership with Airbnb.
Minister for Ageing Tanya Davies today announced an Australian-first pilot program, where NSW Seniors Card holders will receive a $100 cash reward* when they sign up as an Airbnb host and successfully complete their first booking of three nights or more.
“This innovative partnership not only creates real economic opportunities for NSW seniors but also keeps them connected to their communities. By welcoming travellers from across Australia and the world into their homes, seniors have the power to ease their costs of living and reduce social isolation.”
Tanya Davies, NSW Minister for Ageing
NSW Seniors Card holders will also be eligible for a $20 Airbnb credit* when they book as a guest for the first time via the Airbnb website.
To help seniors in NSW take full advantage of the rewards on offer, free digital literacy workshops will be held over the next six months in Manly, Parramatta, Liverpool, Penrith, Orange, and the South Coast.
“Older people are the most ‘loved’ or highest rated hosts on Airbnb. With 85 per cent of these stays receiving five-star reviews, we want to encourage more seniors to turn their empty nests into income engines,” Sam McDonagh, Country Manager for Airbnb in Australia and New Zealand said.
The success of the 6-month pilot program will be evaluated with a view to form a 12-month partnership that will offer further benefits to NSW Seniors Card holders.
The partnership supports the NSW Ageing Strategy 2016-2020 which identifies housing, social inclusion and travel as key priorities for seniors. More than 5,700 businesses offer over 8,000 discounts to Seniors Card holders across the state.
*Terms and conditions apply. For more information visit www.seniorscard.nsw.gov.au , email seniorscard@airbnb.com or to become a host on Airbnb click here.