Airbnb Open 2017 CUBA?!...Por Favor?!

[Andrée2]

It was amazing to hear from some of the fantastic hosts from Cuba last year at the Airbnb Open in Paris and it was so wonderful to know that this business model is doing so much to provide financial stability to the people of that country. As many know, Cuba was one of the American hotspots to go for Travel in the 50's but we have been kept from enjoying this part of the world for more than half of a century. Of course our fortunate European neighbors have been continuing to enjoy the island all this time. 

While I realize that there may be issues with their politics that we all cannot /do not agree with, I think it would be an amazing economic boost to the people of Cuba to host the Airbnb Open of 2017 there in Cuba, before it changes too radically and gets too Westernized. With the premise of an educational venue (which the Airbnb Open is) I don't think there will be much issue with members getting access to the country to attend.

Anyone agree? We are part of the best travel community in existence today...Doesn't it make sense that we take on what has been made available as a new frontier to Americans...finally? I am hoping to bring this idea to the Airbnb Open this coming November in L.A. but thought it best to see how much support the Airbnb community had for this proposition.

Any ideas on how to promote this idea further? ex: I would love to see a vintage style Airbnb travel poster for hosts for the Cuban Airbnb Open 2017. It could be a fun contest for hosts!

[Barbara410]

We need to figure out travel arrangements to Cuba as soon as we can decide if this is the place for ABNB Open.  

I suppose they have a limited amount of flights there.   

This would be an excellent choice to help Cuba's economy and surely most people have never been there before.

I would like to see some group events so that we could organize sightseeing tours.

[David88]

Hello @Barbara410

Right now Cuba is connected by flights from all over the world included more than 8 cities in US, Spain, Argentina, Germany, Turkey, Canada, UK, and even China... so the flight wont be a problem.

Before Airbnb came, there were many "casa particular" rented thru different websites, but now with Airbnb we are more organized and with a better idea of the hospitality industry, specially in Havana.

Also, we receiv in Cuba more than 360 events yearly, most of them organized by goberment DMC.. these events can be from 10 people until 1000 people. We have good spaces for this kind of event. I really think could be a good choice. I recommed for the organization of the event the DMC "Cubatur Eventos e Incentivos", I know some people there that could help us... We just need the interest of Airbnb Inc.... and there we go! Thanks all fo the support.

[Dieneke0]

Great idea to have the Airbnb Open in Cuba this year. I agree, it is easy to travel there, it has great facilities and it is a marvellous country with very friendly people. That way also the Cuban hosts can all participate as it will be very difficult and costly for them to travel to another country.

it is one of my favourite countries but I haven't been there for about 10 years or so, so personally would love to go back again. And what better way then with Airbnb Open.

[David88]

Hello @Andrée2, @Dieneke0 @Barbara410 @Sherrie7 @Diane69 

I am sure that if we finally make an Open in Havana.. you all will love the city... it will be the right moment for you to visit another cities we have in Cuba, not that famous as Havana, but very sharming, and with very nice locals. Those are;

- Viñales (2 h from Havana) to spend 2 or 3 days

- Cienfuegos (2h) 1 day

- Trinidad, Ancon Beach and Topes de Collante (3 h) 2 days

- Santa Clara (4 h) 1 day

- Camaguey (8h) 2 days

- Santiago de Cuba (10 h) 2 days

And of course the great beach...: Santa Maria (20 min), Varadero (2 h), Cayo Santa Maria (4 h), Cayo Coco & Cayo Guillermo (6 h)

There are so many places to visit... You can notice that I am Cuban and proud of being, but sincerely... my people are generally welcoming, nice and trustful... If we dont have an Open... I suggest you to come, and I will help you to make your trip unforgetable...

Warm regards guys, and see you soon.. (I hope..hahah)

[Diane69]

Hi David!  

Do you currently live in Cuba?  I am so ready to visit!  I liked your itinerary, it would be fun to travel with a small group!  Please advise!

Diane in Murrieta CA (Super Host!)

[David88]

Hi @Diane69

I now living in US 6 months ago, but I know Cuba very well. I used to travel all over the island with my friend, and because of work...that I have visited all the provinces... It is a great experience. When are you travellling? How big is your group...? Dont hesitate to ask me anything...

David 

[Dieneke0]

Hello @David88 

Thanks for the tips. I have been to Cuba many times in the past to quite a few of the places you mention. But I haven't been there for quite a while now. 

If there is no Open in Havana this year then I most likely will go anyway to visit my friends who i haven't seen for quite a while. It would be great to say hello to you too. 

Dieneke

[Barbara410]

Hi,

Are there small group tours that you can recommend?  There are several from the US, but i would rather stay with an Airbnb host and go local!   

Barbara

[Luli--Maria-0]

Awesome idea 

when are where?  I have a friend home owner she wants to become a host 

what she needs to do ? 

How will she get paid 

are there any systems in place 

[Dieneke0]

Hello  , now I think she joins Airbnb online and the information should be there. If not, maybe just email/contact the helpdesk. 

it should be relatively simple. 

Good luck

Dieneke

[David88]

 Hola @Dieneke0  @Andrée2 @Diane69 

Airbnb has help a lot cuban family to put their homes only one click distance to millions of guests and host, and also to improve the experiences of guests.

As you might know, the internet acces in Cuba is not that good, but it is not impossible. 

She need the create her user and update her personal info with the ID, cellphone number, address of her renting place, a profile picture (generally of the face, no landscaping or cartoons...or any other thing), very nice pictures of the place, price per room per night, and add all the services included. The calendar is very imporatnt to have it updated, so all requests received can be accepted. 

It take time to create the listing, but once you have it, it is only a matter of time. I always suggest to put low prices, because as there is no any review, is less probably that any potential guest will booked a listing without references, so the lowest price and them increse peso by peso... 

Hope he/she can make it...

Cheers!

David

[Lizzie]

Hello @Luli--Maria-0,

Great to see you are trying to find out more information about this for your friend. I am sure she will enjoy being a host in Cuba.

As this is slightly off the original topic here in this thread, you might like to start a new topic with this in the Community Help board here in the Community Center. This will make it easier for others to find your question and respond. 🙂

Thanks so much,

Lizzie

[Jimmy-And-Lauren0]

We are South African hosts and are anxiously awaiting the announcement of 2017Airopen location.  I reckon CUBA could be a good option.  We would love to go to Cuba.  We always sail past Cuba on cruise ships - ha ha ha.  Someone mentioned Lisboa, Portugal.  Only problem there for us in SA, is we probably need visas.  What a drag.  So if anyone has any uodated news, PLEASE SHARE !

[Tchukon-and-Carolyn0]

My wife and I would absolutely love to goto an AirBnB Open in Cuba ...  what an incredible setting for an awesome event!

[Mary403]

We are fairly new to being Airbnb hosts (less than a year) and we're just curious if there would be a conference to go to.  We have always dreamed of going to Cuba so this is something we would love to check out!   Where do we find out more information about what an Open is?  Meetings?  Shared ideas?  Thank you! Chuck and Mary Prochaska