Airbnb looking for more South African hosts as demand grows

Room rental service Airbnb currently offers a range of accommodation options for travellers in South Africa‚ ranging from apartments‚ houses to a camper van and even a pirate ship.

With business growing‚ the company is looking for more hosts to come on board.

If you are considering it‚ here is an overview of the business in South Africa for the period January 1-December 31‚ 2015‚ as compiled by the Financial Mail.

HOSTS: 7‚500 Up 90% over 2014

R28‚800 Average earnings for a typical host

66% Hosts who share space in their primary residence

44 Average host age

49% Use Airbnb income to help them afford to stay in their homes

GUESTS: 34‚000 Number of inbound guests in the past year‚ up 250% over 2014

4.9 nights Average length of stay per guest

37 Average age of the booking guest

91% Of trips involve four or fewer guests

2.5 People in the average travel group

4.7 Average host rating‚ out of five

WHO THEY ARE: 42% of guests were from Europe‚ 32% from Africa and the Middle East region (26% SA) and 18% were from North America.

• Find the full story : Should SA's hotel giants be afraid of Airbnb?