CAPITAL REGION — Airbnb, a community-driven hospitality company, announced on Dec. 31 that its Capital Region host community earned approximately $28 million in total supplemental income while welcoming approximately 187,700 guest arrivals to the region in 2018.
In Saratoga County, there are now approximately 830 hosts who share their homes via Airbnb, typically earning about $6,600 annually in supplemental income. The county also saw 35,800 total guest arrivals in 2018 and $6.1 million in total host income.
• Albany County: there are approximately 260 hosts who share their homes via Airbnb, typically earning about $4,300 annually in supplemental income. • Columbia County: there are approximately 390 hosts who share their homes via Airbnb, typically earning about $10,800 annually in supplemental income. • Greene County: there are approximately 510 hosts who share their homes via Airbnb, typically earning about $9,300 annually in supplemental income.
• Rensselaer County: there are now approximately 100 hosts who share their homes via Airbnb, typically earning about $6,800 annually in supplemental income. • Schenectady County: there are approximately 90 hosts who share their homes via Airbnb, typically earning about $2,600 annually in supplemental income.
• Warren County: there are now approximately 430 hosts who share their homes via Airbnb, typically earning about $7,500 annually in supplemental income.
• Washington County: there are approximately 120 hosts who share their homes via Airbnb, typically earning about $4,500 annually in supplemental income.
“2018 was another great year for Airbnb in the Capital Region, with more local residents and small businesses able to benefit from the economic opportunities created by home sharing than ever before,” said Josh Meltzer, Head of Northeast Public Policy.
“As we reflect on this past year and celebrate the beginning of a new one, we are proud to have played a small role in countless memories and cultural exchanges across the Capital Region - from summer trips to leaf peeping to the holiday season. We look forward to continuing to help New York families earn extra income while allowing countless communities to enjoy the tourism economy in 2019.”
Throughout 2018, the home sharing community has provided significant value to Capital Region communities during big events, such as the summer tourism boom and ski season. With Airbnb, local families have been able to tap into increased demand by opening up their home and making some extra income, while ensuring visiting guests will have access to affordable accommodations.
In addition to the new income going into the pockets of Capital District Airbnb hosts, counties across the region are generating new revenue through tax agreements that allow Airbnb to collect and remit local taxes on behalf of its hosts. Airbnb has reached such agreements with two counties in the Capital Region, Rensselaer County and Schenectady County, and has remitted more than $2.7 million in local taxes statewide.
