Airbnb triggers a jobs boom throughout Australia

A new report from Deloitte Access Economics reveals Airbnb has triggered a jobs boom in Australia.

The Deloitte Access Economics Economic effects of Airbnb in Australia report examined the economic contribution of Airbnb to the Australian economy. The report found that Airbnb is now a significant driver of the tourism economy, contributing $1.6 billion to Australia’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in 2015-16, supporting over 14,000 jobs in addition to the activities of hosts.

Last week, to support the release of the report, Deloitte Access Economics and Airbnb met with key decision-makers and stakeholders from across Australia, from Sydney to Perth, and from Hobart to Darwin, to talk about the report and home sharing’s positive economic contribution to local economies.

Aaron Hill, Deloitte Access Economics director and one of the authors of the report, said “Airbnb is a sharing economy success story and our research looks to quantify the economic contribution of Airbnb guest spending to the Australian economy in terms of activity and job creation.

“We’ve found that people using the Airbnb service are helping to drive growth in the tourism economy, increase competition in the accommodation sector, and benefiting consumers in terms of choice and, often, price, and Airbnb’s contribution in terms of direct and indirect jobs shouldn’t be underestimated.”

Sam McDonagh, Airbnb Country Manager, said “This new data confirms Airbnb is not just vital for tourism in Australia, but vital for the entire economy. Our community has triggers a jobs boom in Australia, supporting more than 14,000 local jobs.

“In stark contrast to the big hotel lobby’s trickle-down approach, Airbnb drives bottom-up growth. We are spreading the benefits of the tourism boom and helping create more jobs in local cafes, restaurants and shops.

“Importantly, this report reinforces the need for fair and progressive rules for home sharing in Australia. We need certainty and clarity for our host community to ensure home sharing can continue to flourish and benefit everyone in the community.”

Key findings from the report include:

  • Pillar of tourism economy – Airbnb guests are now a significant driver of the tourism economy, with a total contribution to Australia’s GDP of $1.6 billion in 2015-16, supporting over 14,000 jobs in addition to the activities of hosts
  • 2.1 million guests for 3.7 million nights – Hosts across Australia accommodated around 2.1 million guests for 3.7 million nights in 2015-16
  • More than $2 billion in guest spending – In one year, guests using Airbnb spent more than $2 billion in Australia.
  • More than $550 million spent in local cafes and restaurants – Airbnb guests spent a total of $554.1 million on food services, including restaurants, in Australia.
  • Big savings for guests – Airbnb saved guests staying in Sydney around $26 million in 2015-16  who might have otherwise stayed in traditional accommodation.
  • More money for hosts to pay bills or rent – Airbnb hosts in Australia earned a median income of $4,920 in 2015-16 – a fairly modest supplement to a household’s main sources of income, but which may nevertheless be handy for living expenses, to pay down debt or to increase savings.

Download Report (Australia)