KUALA LUMPUR: Global online marketplace provider for accommodation, Airbnb, expects its guests to spend over RM878 million at restaurants and cafes in Malaysia this year.
Last year, Airbnb’s guests spent at least RM583 million at restaurants and cafes in the country.
General manager for Southeast Asia, Hong Kong and Taiwan Mike Orgill said the influx of tourism spending by Airbnb guests at restaurants and cafes is being felt globally as travellers try to experience a place through local foods.
“Through Airbnb, we can promote economic opportunity for hosts and the neighbourhoods that welcome them, particularly local food establishments and support the Ministry of Tourism’s RM100 billion tourism receipt target,” he said in a statement yesterday.
According to survey findings and an analysis of internal data, 84 percent of Airbnb hosts say they recommended restaurants and cafes to guests, driving more people to visit places they might not otherwise discover online. – Bernama
