In collaboration with the mobile-app based hospitality giant, Airbnb, the Yancey County Economic Development Commission and Yancey Chamber of Commerce are announcing an effort to sign up new Airbnb Experience hosts in Yancey County as part of the company’s drive to grow the Experiences program in western North Carolina. “Over the past couple of years we have seen a huge surge in the growth of Airbnb properties in Yancey County. Many folks have seen the development of the accommodation rental service as an opportunity to be part-time entrepreneurs by letting rooms, houses and apartments to visitors and tourists coming to our beautiful community. Already local officials have seen the huge impact of the growth of this tech-driven industry in the growth of occupancy tax receipts over the past couple of years” said Yancey EDC Director Jamie McMahan.
“Though people everywhere are now pretty much aware they are able to book accommodations through Airbnb, they are less aware that with the new “Experiences” program through Airbnb, the company has provided an opportunity for travelers to book specific excursions and experiences in the places where they are vacationing; everything from art and cooking classes to guided hikes and walking tours” added McMahan. “Here in our community where we are blessed with so many artists, outdoor enthusiasts, and talented folks of every kind, what better place than here in Burnsville in Yancey County to get those folks signed up with Airbnb so they can share their unique talents and passions with visitors who are interested to learn from them and share the experience with them. The Experiences program allows visitors to our area to have an authentic travel experience on their vacation here and allows our folks to make money hosting those experiences.”
