Airbnb & Their Plans To Go Big On The African Continent

Airbnb is working on plans to expand its brand throughout the continent. The San Francisco based company, which curates a trusted marketplace for people to list, discover and book unique accommodations in more than 34,000 cities and over 190 countries around the world all on the internet, recently announced potential plans to expand and manage the company?s business in Africa, where bookings [in South Africa] have been growing 257 percent.

Former head of international growth and partnerships at Facebook, Nicola D?Elia will lead operations on the continent and will hire staff to manage local offices in the region. South Africa represents the company?s largest market on the continent, with Cape Town and Johannesburg standing out as cities with the largest number of homes available for rent in the country. South Africa is becoming an increasingly popular destination and continues to attract a growing number of people who choose to vacation in the region.

The expansion of Airbnb?s footprint on the continent is part of CEO Brian Chesky?s commitment to develop the next generation of entrepreneurial leaders around the world, and the African continent is no exception. At the 2015 Global Entrepreneurial Summit in Nairobi, Chesky met with entrepreneurs in country and explored the economic impact of business expansion on the continent.

It?s South Africa though and potential Airbnb guests will be for a treat — whether you are looking for a place to hang out for the afternoon, or a mini staycation, you?re in for rentals with some pretty cool?vacation vibes.