Airbnb Focuses on ‘Staying Power’ of Domestic Travel, Regional Revitalization in Canada

Domestic travel continues to be a significant driver of tourism in Canada, with a notable shift towards exploring lesser-known regions and a growing emphasis on longer stays. Airbnb is actively positioning itself to facilitate this trend, focusing on providing accommodations and experiences that encourage travelers to immerse themselves in local communities and contribute to regional economic growth.

Surge in Domestic Bookings

Airbnb data reveals a robust increase in domestic bookings across Canada. In the first half of 2025, domestic bookings jumped by more than 10 percent compared to 2024, demonstrating the sustained momentum of Canadians choosing to explore their own country. Airbnb Newsroom

This surge isn’t limited to specific provinces; nearly every province and territory—12 out of 13—experienced growth. Smaller towns and rural communities are benefiting from increased tourism, distributing the economic advantages beyond major urban centers. Provinces leading the surge include Newfoundland and Labrador, Prince Edward Island, Quebec, and Saskatchewan, with bookings climbing by over 20 percent year-over-year. Financial Post

The Importance of ‘Space, Content, and People’

Airbnb is advocating for a shift in the approach to domestic travel, moving beyond simply visiting destinations to fostering a desire to stay in those regions. The company emphasizes the importance of three key elements: local accommodations, enriching local content, and the people who bring those spaces to life. This approach aims to address the repetitive structure of domestic travel currently centered on specific regions, gourmet food, and hotels.

Addressing Barriers to Domestic Travel

A recent survey commissioned by Airbnb and conducted by Embrain, a market research company, identified key factors hindering longer domestic trips. These include:

• High travel costs (27.9%)
• Travel distance and time required (27.8%)
• Lack of attractions and experience content (13.4%)

The survey also highlighted issues with accommodation, with 87.5% of respondents stating accommodation conditions are important, but 92.5% reporting difficulties in the reservation process. Common concerns included high rates relative to facilities (54.1%) and limited availability on weekends and peak seasons (46.3%).

Expanding Local Accommodation Options

Airbnb is actively promoting the expansion of local accommodation options, including the renovation of empty houses and older buildings. 85.7% of survey respondents indicated that regionally regenerated accommodations using empty houses would be helpful in revitalizing tourism. Financial Post The company plans to initiate projects in this area, starting in Jeju, and is exploring similar initiatives in Canada.

The ‘Stay Effect’ and Local Economic Benefits

Airbnb highlights the “stay effect,” demonstrating that longer stays translate to increased local spending. Data from the Asia-Pacific region shows that the average spending per person, excluding accommodation, was $169 (approximately CAD $250) in Korea, compared to $157 (approximately CAD $230) in the Asia-Pacific region overall. 87% of guests receive local recommendations from hosts, and 97% report that these recommendations influence their spending. Airbnb Newsroom

Looking Ahead

Airbnb’s strategy focuses on enabling Canadians to rediscover and experience their own country, fostering a more sustainable and economically beneficial tourism model. By prioritizing local accommodations, unique experiences, and community engagement, Airbnb aims to contribute to the revitalization of regional economies across Canada and beyond.