Airbnb reports boost in NH travel, host income in June

Hosts statewide earned more than $4.1 million from welcoming guests within 300 miles

July 30, 2020

NHBR Staff,

New Hampshire Airbnb hosts saw a boost in income as tourists stayed relatively close to home and sought out isolated lodging accommodations during the pandemic.

The San Francisco-based vacation rental online marketplace company reported Granite State hosts earned more than $4.1 million in June from guests living within 300 miles of their destination.

The White Mountains, Lake Winnipesaukee, Sunapee and Coastal New Hampshire were the most popular destinations. Hosts in the White Mountains experienced a 44% increased in income compared to June 2019, while Airbnb host income in Lake Winnipesaukee rose 44%, Sunapee (28%) and Coastal New Hampshire (26%).

Nationwide, Airbnb is seeing high demand for travel to rural areas. Hosts in rural areas of the U.S. earned over $200 million in the month of June, an increase of more than 25% over what hosts in these areas earned in June 2019.

Roughly three out of four guests surveyed by Airbnb said they would be more comfortable staying with their families in a listing than in a hotel with other people — as listings provide amenities like private kitchens and laundry, along with offering guests more control over their environment and travel experience.

Nine in 10 hosts in New Hampshire reported they plan to host the same amount or more often, according to a survey by Airbnb.

With guests looking to travel safely, Airbnb reports its listings are meeting guests’ new, emerging needs for increased cleanliness and privacy. Ninety-four percent of all Airbnb reviews show that guests are satisfied with cleaning, scoring it at four or five stars after their stays. In addition Airbnbhas released a step-by-step cleaning handbook — with guidelines informed by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention — to help hosts elevate their cleaning practices and prepare their home for guests. In addition, guests looking to book their trip can easily identify and book listings, thanks to a new highlight on listings that opt-in to this Protocol.

Ahead of August, Airbnb in a press release encouraged New Hampshire residents to learn more about renting out their home via airnbnb.com/host. Airbnb says hosts keep the vast majority of what they charge.