Emerging Hospitality Stars: Thai Hosts Shine Among Top Airbnb Hosts Under 30 in Asia Pacific

In celebration of International Youth Day on August 12th, Airbnb is turning the spotlight on the dynamic, innovative, and successful Airbnb Hosts under the age of 30 in Asia Pacific. Among the exceptional individuals recognized for their outstanding hospitality are two bright talents from Thailand – Genie, aged 23, and Kantaphon, aged 27.

Youthful Entrepreneurship Thrives on Airbnb

While Airbnb’s diverse community of hosts spans various age groups, this International Youth Day marks a special occasion to highlight the achievements of young hosts who have made a significant impact on the platform. Airbnb acknowledges and celebrates 13 exceptional hosts in the Asia Pacific region, all under the age of 30. These hosts boast an impressive average rating of 4.9 and have collectively welcomed over 4,300 guests.

The Thai representatives, Genie and Kantaphon, embody the spirit of youthfulness, entrepreneurial zeal, and a commitment to providing guests with memorable experiences.

Airbnb’s Growing Influence Among the Younger Generation in Thailand

Amanpreet Bajaj, Airbnb’s General Manager for Southeast Asia, India, Hong Kong, and Taiwan, recognizes the evolving landscape shaped by modern technology. He observes a growing trend among young Thais who are not only avid users of Airbnb for travel but are also leveraging the platform to become tourism entrepreneurs, thereby contributing to their families’ income.

In Thailand, Airbnb has become more than just a lodging platform; it has become a channel for passionate locals to share their culture, hospitality, and neighborhood communities with guests. Remarkably, 77 percent of Thai hosts on Airbnb see the platform as an opportunity to connect global travelers with the richness of their local communities.

Thai Hosts’ Resilience Amidst the Pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic brought about unprecedented challenges to the travel and hospitality industry. In Thailand, despite the hurdles posed by the global health crisis, many individuals embraced hosting on Airbnb as a means to generate additional income. Top destinations like Bangkok, Phuket, Hua Hin, Koh Samui, and Pattaya witnessed a surge in new hosts who opened their homes to visitors seeking a unique and personalized experience.

Genie, one of the celebrated hosts, shared her journey into hosting, inspired by a transformative experience during a family trip abroad. “In 2016, my family and I traveled abroad during the summer and stayed in an Airbnb for the first time. We absolutely loved the experience. We thought it would be so nice to be a host back home in Thailand – to welcome guests from around the world that are maybe looking for a more local experience of traveling in Bangkok.”

Kantaphon, another standout host, found himself becoming an Airbnb host unexpectedly after facing challenges with the family home. “My parents rented out our family home, but unfortunately, our long-term resident did not take good care of our home, leading to high costs of refurbishment and repairs for us. A friend of ours then made the life-changing suggestion that we list our home on Airbnb, and I have been an Airbnb Host for 5 years now since 2017.”

Tips for Aspiring Hosts: Insights from Genie and Kantaphon

Genie and Kantaphon, with their diverse hosting experiences, share valuable insights for aspiring hosts who wish to embark on their own hosting journey:

Genie’s Tips for Success:

1. See Through the Eyes of Guests: Understand what guests would want by putting yourself in their shoes. Prioritize reliability, comfort, and a sense of community.
2. Recognize the Charm of Your Home: Even if your location isn’t prime, recognize the unique charm of your home and showcase it on Airbnb. Every house has a unique appeal.
3. Learn from Other Hosts: Stay at other Airbnb properties to see how hosts do things differently. Learning from others in the community can enhance your hosting skills.

Kantaphon’s Advice for Aspiring Hosts:

1. Start Now: If you’re considering becoming an Airbnb host, Kantaphon encourages you to start now. It’s a rewarding occupation that allows you to spend time with family and contribute to the local community.
2. Personalize Your Space: Decorate your home based on your style. When guests feel connected to you and sense your sincerity, positive reviews will follow.
3. Treat Guests Like Friends: Look after your guests as if they are friends visiting you. Building a personal connection enhances the overall guest experience.

Age Is No Barrier to Hosting Success

The stories of Genie and Kantaphon exemplify that age is no barrier to success on Airbnb. These young entrepreneurs from Thailand showcase how passion, dedication, and a commitment to creating exceptional guest experiences can turn hosting into a fulfilling endeavor. As Airbnb continues to evolve, the platform remains a dynamic space where individuals of all ages, backgrounds, and experiences can connect and create lasting memories.

This International Youth Day, let the stories of Genie and Kantaphon inspire a new generation of hosts, proving that regardless of age, the world of hospitality is open to those ready to embrace it.