Airbnb has partnered with the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) to offer three pubs in England and Wales a complete makeover of their spare room, valued at more than £10,000.
The redecoration, paired with hosting support sessions from an Airbnb community team advisor, is a pilot project aiming to help the pubs boost their income by welcoming more guests. This would have the knock-on effect of attracting visitor spending to other local businesses.
The project is being rolled out at a time when almost 200 pubs have been demolished or converted for other uses in the past 12 months, due to increasing financial pressures.
Pubs across England and Wales are invited to apply via a form on the Airbnb website. The three finalists will be selected by a panel of expert judges from the hospitality industry. The closing date is 31st December.
“Britain’s pubs and traditional room-and-board inns are an integral part of our identity when it comes to hospitality and festivity,” said Amanda Cupples, general manager, UK and Northern Europe, for Airbnb.
“With research showing that they are facing financial challenges, we want to breathe life into these beacons of the community by refurbishing spare rooms and helping them to diversify or boost their income from tourism.
“Together with CAMRA and our judges, we look forward to spotlighting some of the most loved pubs in England and Wales, and encouraging visitors to discover some incredible new stays.”
Nick Boley, campaigns and communications director at CAMRA, added: “We hope this will be a project that will help preserve our pubs and also help to protect and build communities, while playing an integral part in people’s social lives and wellbeing.
“I am very much looking forward to working with Airbnb and look forward to seeing the results, while encouraging more people to visit and stay in our beloved pubs.”
