Short-term rentals have truly become a game-changer f...
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Short-term rentals have truly become a game-changer for tourism on the Kenya Coast, by offering alternative accommodat...
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Meeting the members of the 2024 Host Advisory Board in person for the first time, after years of connecting online, was an extraordinary experience earlier this year. To gather as a global community of hosts, united by our passion for hospitality, was inspiring and humbling—a memory I’ll carry with me forever.
For over 12 years, hosting has been at the heart of what I do, but serving on the Host Advisory Board has elevated that journey in ways I could never have imagined. Being selected to join the board was an incredible honor, and being invited to serve for three years has been a deeply rewarding experience. It has not only enriched my hosting career; it has also filled me with the confidence to push forward with my sustainability work for the hosting community and my efforts to support fellow hosts. To me the role of the Host Advisory Board is to bring our knowledge about hosting and the feedback of the hosting community to the teams at Airbnb in a way that they can understand the impacts the products they design will have on the hosting community. We also have the opportunity to help inspire positive change in the hosting community and with the teams we work with, eg: Earth Day, Diversity and Inclusion.
One of the most unforgettable highlights of this journey was being one of just four hosts chosen to stand on stage with Airbnb CEO Brian Chesky during a live Q&A. To represent the hosting community, share our collective stories, and feel the weight of our voices being heard by the very heart of Airbnb was awe-inspiring. Brian’s genuine openness to feedback and recognition of the art of hosting have left a profound impression on me.
The experience of working alongside the other incredible board members has been nothing short of transformative. Each person brings their unique expertise and passion—whether in technology, guest experiences, sustainability, or community building—and their dedication has been a constant source of inspiration. Their ideas and energy have motivated me to take on even more in my local hosting community. Whether mentoring new hosts, organizing meetups, or amplifying host feedback, I feel more driven than ever to make a difference.
The friendships I’ve formed with my fellow board members are truly priceless. These are people who understand not only the challenges and joys of hosting but also the power it has to impact lives. Together, we’ve built a support system, exchanged insights, and created lasting connections that transcend borders.
One of the most rewarding aspects of being on the board has been seeing how our collective feedback has shaped Airbnb. Whether in structured sessions or casual conversations, the teams at Airbnb listen deeply. To see our input and feedback come to life on the platform, improving the experience for hosts and guests alike, is a testament to Airbnb’s commitment to its community.
My passion for sustainable hosting has been a key part of my contribution to the board. Sharing practical advice with fellow hosts on how to incorporate sustainability into their homes and operations has been incredibly fulfilling. Developing SustainableHosting.com.au has allowed me to extend this mission even further, helping hosts take meaningful steps toward lowering the emissions and waste in their homes and helping guests to have a lower-emissions holiday.
I even took the sustainability talk on the road, traveling to Tasmania as the guest speaker at their Airbnb Host Expo! It was incredible—tourism operators shared where they are on their sustainability journeys.
Being part of the board has also opened doors I never anticipated. It’s given me opportunities to connect with local tourism organizations and contribute to broader conversations about hospitality and sustainability. These connections have amplified my ability to make an impact, not just in hosting but in the tourism industry as a whole.
Above all, this journey has been about growth—both personal and professional. It’s given me the confidence to dream bigger, the tools to make meaningful changes, and the inspiration to continue supporting hosts worldwide. I’m endlessly grateful to Airbnb, my fellow board members, and the global hosting community for making this chapter of my life so memorable.
Here’s to building on everything we’ve achieved together and continuing to make a difference, one host, one guest, and one community at a time. Just keep up the feedback!
All the best,
Felicity
