Airbnb will partner with 20 destinations around the world to make it easier to live and work anywhere, including Bali, the Canary Islands and the Caribbean. The company first announced the “Live and Work Anywhere” initiative in late April in tandem with its own policy to allow Airbnb employees to travel and work around the world.
The company invited destinations to apply to be part of the promotional effort – asking them to describe what makes their destination appealing for remote work, entry and visa requirements, availability of strong Wi-Fi and cellular service and examples of opportunities for remote workers to connect with the local community.
Now Airbnb has selected 20 destinations that will receive landing pages on the platform that are intended to serve as a “one-stop shop” for remote workers, with information about long-term stay listings, entry requirements, tax policies and more.
“In the two years since the pandemic began, a new world of travel has emerged in which many workers are untethered to an office. In collaborating with these 20 destinations, we want to make it easier for workers to enjoy this flexibility and support the return of safe and responsible travel,” says Nathan Blecharczyck, Airbnb co-founder and chief strategy officer.
“We know that travel brings significant economic opportunity to local communities and connects people around the world. We’re excited to launch this one-stop shop for anyone thinking of joining the millions of workers that are already enjoying this new trend of working flexibility and travel.”
The participating destinations are located around the world in places such as Italy, Argentina, Indonesia, the United States, South Africa and Australia.
“As we move towards a new normal in travel, we believe our partnership with Airbnb will help revitalize Indonesia’s tourism industry with a fresh focus on longer, higher quality stays,” says Sandiaga Uno, minister of tourism and creative economy of the Republic of Indonesia.
“Indonesia is ready to welcome the world – including digital nomads who are seeking remote work-friendly locations like Bali, which offers ample amenities, infrastructure and a lifestyle connected to nature and the local community.”
In addition to working with destination marketing organizations and local government bodies to promote the online hubs – which are rolling out in the coming months – Airbnb says it will also work with them to create educational campaigns to promote “responsible hosting and traveling as a remote worker.”
Airbnb says about 20 per cent of its users reported working remotely while staying in its properties in 2021.
