GSB will offer better funding for hospitality entrepreneurs introducing flexible-interest rate loans and installment plans. Airbnb will conduct hosting training and connect homestay owners to its worldwide platform and marketplace network used by over 500 million guests.
With the recent travel trend gearing towards off-the-beaten-path travels, community tourism is a powerful tool and Thailand has much to offer to inquisitive travellers looking for local, authentic and unique experiences. Homestays are growing rapidly on Airbnb platform today. Not only they cover the most popular tourist hotspots but expand rapidly beyond major tourist regions. Two of the provinces in Thailand, where homestay scheme is developing at a fast pace are Nakhon Sawan and Chiang Rai. Besides providing visitors with emersive experience, community oriented tourism focuses on responsible and sustainable ways of travel across Thailand.
In fact, there are thousands of homestays in Thailand often offering very reasonable prices. But the main problem lies in the absense of a uniform standard as some 'homestays' are simple rooms in the host's house – probably the most close variant to what an ordinary homestay is supposed to be, while others are separate well-equipped bungalows that are normally called a 'resort', not a 'homestay'. This diversity in quality and services make it rather challenging to promote a homestay type of accommodation in Thailand.
Thai Bank Join Hands with Airbnb to Support and Promote Homestays
News in Asia
Thailand’s Government Savings Bank (GSB) is going to lend a helping hand to homestay owners in Thailand through a new partnership with Airbnb encouraging visitors to choose accommodation options offered by members of local communities.