Airbnb poll: More than half of Malaysian respondents prefer to stay at Airbnb when traveling domestically

Malaysia – According to a poll conducted by Airbnb, an online lodging marketplace, more than half of respondents are inclined to stay in short-term rental accommodation when traveling domestically.

As indicated in the poll, which was conducted among 1,020 Malaysians between December 23, 2021 and January 14, 2022, more than two-thirds (68%) of respondents are likely to use Airbnb when they next travel, and 44% are also likely to host on Airbnb in the next 12 months.

In a statement released recently, it said that the results “show a solid local agreement that short-term rental accommodation helps local communities.”

The findings also showed how Malaysians thought short-term rental accommodations created beneficial consequences for communities, with guests from both local and foreign markets continuing to assist the country’s economic recovery, according to the report.

“More over two-thirds think that it boosts local economies, and 62% believe that short-term rental lodging benefits not only hosts but also local companies.”

Over 60% of those polled support allowing residents in their city to rent out their homes on Airbnb, and 80% believe Malaysians should be allowed to use surplus vacant apartments as short-term rentals to help alleviate the ongoing property overhang, particularly in states such as Penang, Johor, Kuala Lumpur, and Selangor.

With both local and foreign visitors utilizing Airbnb to travel inside and to Malaysia, Mich Goh, the head of public policy for South-east Asia, said it was apparent that Malaysians thought short-term rental lodgings created great outcomes for communities.

“We need a national structure that is clear, straightforward, and successful, allowing Malaysians from all walks of life to host with us.”

“Airbnb is completely committed to continuing to collaborate with the authorities on this.” We’re also committed to assisting in the resumption of travel and preparing our city to welcome visitors in a safe and responsible manner,” she said.