Airbnb Encourages Travelers to ‘Live Like Locals’ in Goa

Goa is one of the most popular destination for travellers across the world and has a lot to offer for everyone. With the launch of Airbnb Goa Insider’s Guide, travellers will get an opportunity to explore unique homes ranging from 400 year old Portuguese villas to stunning designer contemporary homes, as well as unique ideas for travellers to authentically experience Goa ‘Like Locals’.

In line with Airbnb’s vision to provide unique experiences to modern day travellers who are always on the lookout for newer and more interesting ways to travel, and Live there, Airbnb Goa Insider’s Guide gives travellers the option of experiencing the joy of living like locals do, in the vibrant state.

Goa has something for everyone and the Airbnb Goa Insider’s Guide helps travellers explore the best of Goa, whether it’s the rich art and culture with celebrated artist and founder of the Museum of Goa Subodh Kerkar, a deep dive into Goan nightlife with acclaimed food and lifestyle writer Nolan Mascarhenas or a fashion fix  with fashion designer Wendell Rodricks. It might even be an exploration of hidden gems of Goa with legendary ad filmmaker and photographer Shantanu Sheorey or the chance to savour best local cuisine recommended by model turned chef Joey Matthews.

Airbnb has over 4000 listings in breathtaking locations across the state offering a wide variety of accommodation choices from apartments, to beach villas, to mansions whether you are travelling solo or with family and friends. Since 2015, Airbnb has witnessed phenomenal growth in Goa with:

  • 515% increase in the total number of nights booked
  • 259% increase in the number of Homes on the platform in Goa

Goa as a destination has grown its popularity every passing year with visitor numbers increasing by 19.5% in domestic and international visitors to over 6.3 million visitors as of 2016.*

In addition to ideas to fill your days, the Airbnb Goa Insider’s Guide features seven Airbnb homes from Goa carefully selected by Celebrity Interior Designer, Gauri Khan.

Speaking on the launch of Airbnb Goa Insider’s Guide, Gauri Khan said: “The essence of a culture is rooted in its people and the homes in which they reside. Goa is characterized by a mix of unique Indo-Portuguese architectural influence, which tells visitors stories from past generations. With the launch of the Airbnb Goa Insider’s Guide, Airbnb is giving curious travelers the chance to soak in the experience of living like a local, by offering them unprecedented access to homes and hearts which best embody the spirit of Goa. The villas, mansions, and homes curated in this Guide are a breathtaking combination of Goan heritage and modern day amenities, accompanied by insights from local experts. Travelers can rediscover the hidden beauty of one of the most sought after vacation destinations in the country.”

“Goa in all its glory has been, and continues to be one of the preferred destinations for travellers, across the world. For Airbnb in India, Goa has fast become one of our key markets, and the exponential growth we have seen in the state is a testimony to the growing inclination of travelers to explore destinations on their own terms. With the launch of Airbnb Goa Insider’s Guide we are delighted to present travelers with a different perspective to experience Goa and explore the hidden gems it has to offer by living like a local.”

Amanpreet Bajaj, Country Manager, India, Airbnb

Announcement highlights:

  • Airbnb has over 4000 listings in breathtaking locations across the state offering a wide variety of accommodation choices in Goa, one of the most popular destination for travelers across the world.
  • The Airbnb Goa Insider’s Guide features 7 unique Airbnb homes carefully selected by Celebrity Interior Designer, Gauri Khan and local insights from Airbnb hosts and local influencers.
  • Airbnb Goa Insider’s Guide will be available at Airbnb homes across Goa, and you can download your copy here.

[*] Tourist Arrivals (Year Wise), Department of Tourism, Government of Goa – http://www.goatourism.gov.in/statistics/225