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Airbnb’s economic footprint in India surged in 2024, contributing Rs 113 billion to the country’s GDP and supporting over 1.11 lakh jobs across sectors, according to a comprehensive report released by Oxford Economics and commissioned by Airbnb. The findings underscore the platform’s growing influence in India’s travel and hospitality ecosystem, driven largely by domestic tourism and diversified guest spending.
The report, titled Economic Impact of Airbnb in India, highlights how the home-sharing model is not only reshaping travel preferences but also injecting tangible value into allied industries such as transport, retail, agriculture, and real estate.
Key Highlights From The Report
- Airbnb contributed Rs 113 billion to India’s GDP in 2024
- The platform supported 1.11 lakh jobs across tourism and adjacent sectors
- Rs 24 billion was generated in wage income through Airbnb-related activity
- Domestic travellers accounted for 91 percent of Airbnb guests in India
- Guest spending reached Rs 112 billion, including accommodation and non-accommodation expenses
Breakdown Of Employment And Sectoral Impact
The ripple effect of Airbnb’s presence extended well beyond frontline hospitality roles. The report details how various sectors benefited from the platform’s economic activity:
- Transport and storage: 38,000 jobs supported, Rs 810 crore in wages
- Food and beverage services: 19,600 jobs supported
- Wholesale and retail trade: 16,800 jobs supported
- Manufacturing: 10,700 jobs supported, Rs 290 crore in wages
- Real estate: Rs 1,300 crore contribution, Rs 260 crore in wage income
- Agriculture: Rs 1,500 crore contribution
These figures reflect Airbnb’s role in stimulating demand across the value chain, from logistics and supply to consumer services and infrastructure.
Domestic Travel Drives Growth
One of the most striking trends in the report is the dominance of domestic travellers, who made up 91 percent of Airbnb guests in India in 2024—up from 79 percent in 2019. This shift is attributed to rising interest among younger Indian travellers in exploring regional destinations, coupled with improved digital access and affordability.
- Guests stayed an average of two nights per trip
- Daily non-accommodation spending averaged Rs 11,000
- Of every Rs 10,000 spent, Rs 3,800 went to restaurants, Rs 2,400 to transport, Rs 2,100 to shopping, Rs 900 to entertainment, and Rs 800 to groceries
International guests primarily came from the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia, contributing to inbound tourism but remaining a smaller share of the overall mix.
Contribution To Travel And Tourism GDP
Airbnb’s footprint accounted for 0.5 percent of India’s travel and tourism GDP in 2024 and supported 0.2 percent of tourism-related employment—equivalent to one in every 417 jobs in the sector. These metrics position Airbnb as a significant player in India’s tourism economy, especially in the context of decentralized travel and regional exploration.
- The platform’s impact is most visible in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, where traditional hotel infrastructure is limited
- Airbnb’s flexible model enables economic participation by individual hosts and small property owners
- The report suggests untapped potential in expanding international tourism through strategic partnerships
Looking Ahead: A Platform With Expanding Influence
Airbnb’s Rs 113 billion contribution to India’s GDP and its support for over 1.11 lakh jobs reflect a maturing ecosystem that blends technology, travel, and community engagement. As domestic tourism continues to flourish and international travel rebounds, the platform is well-positioned to deepen its impact across sectors. With policy support and infrastructure alignment, Airbnb could play a pivotal role in shaping India’s next phase of tourism-led growth.
Sources: Livemint, IBTimes India, The Economic Times
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