Exclusively for International Airbnb Guests

[Samantha372]

Exclusively for Airbnb Guests

Recently I created Airbnb logo and fix it above the name board of my Homestay Apartment in Sri Lanka. I really wish to keep my apartment only for Airbnb international guests. From the day one to date I am getting all reservations through Airbnb system. So I suggest to connect with those who wish to make it exclusive for Airbnb. Then we can think of some extra value additions for guests as well as extra privileges for us as hosts too. I like to get all your comments and opinions in this regard. Best Regards Samantha

[Anonymous]

@Samantha372   I would exercise some caution with your wording. "Exclusively for International guests" implies that you would refuse to rent to Sri Lankan guests, which may be in violation of Airbnb's anti-discrimination policy.

You are free to say "Exclusively for Airbnb guests," but there aren't any special privileges or rewards for renting on only one platform.

Also, in hospitality parlance the word "Homestay" is usually specific to homes in which the host lives onsite and shares space with the guests. If your flat is solely for guests' use, you might want to choose a less confusing title.

[Samantha372]

Hi Andrew, Thanks for your important information. Always we also had discussions on those aspects and were thoughtful. We will not discriminate at all. But we need to promote that our intention is international guests. Sometimes you can't understand our culture and community perceptions on guests in Sri Lanka. Today I do not have much time to write more details and I will write later. When we say this is for international guests then it is more acceptable by both home country and international guests. For us it is good and meaningful and we respect the policy on non discrimination. But same time we as a guest has the right to promote the best thing as per the local culture.

Homestay.....Yes it is in deed an interesting discussion. When I first time study I also got the same feeling. But I thought to give a different meaning. I think I won it from government legal system and from the guests too. This whole building belongs to me. We are living ground floor. First floor this exclusive Homestay apartment and our office area. So this has given a new meaning for homestay. They start as start class apartment but with the love, care and concern on Sri Lankan family. We arrange some family dinners, trips etc, with us and share cultures and provide any required details. Its really working as per my 11 months experiences with over demand.

Once again thank you so much and appreciate your important points.

Best Regards Samantha

[Rachel177]

@Samantha372 to attract international guests you may want to remove Homestay from your listing description. To me homestay does not mean luxury or deluxe accommodation, and doesn't mean a separate apartment. 

In Australia I'm familiar with the term homestay where international students at university or high school stay with a  host family's house (have a bedroom to myself) and have all meals  cooked by my host family. 

And as @Anonymous said you might run into trouble marketing yourself as exclusively for international guests as it could breach Airbnb's anti-discrimination policy. All it takes to get your listing removed is you declining to host a Sri Lankan guest & they report you to airbnb for discrimination. So tread carefully in how you market your listing.

[Samantha372]

Thanks Rachel for your important communication. Please note two things. One is according to Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (government body) has approved and licensed this under Deluxe Homestay Apartment. You can view this certificate in my photos in this listing. Yes many western countries homestay for students etc. But Sri Lanka is totally different and no student stay at homestays. So please try to understand cultural and policy differences before make comparisons. However, I always appreciate comments and suggestions. Please do not worry on exclusively for international guests. It is not a discrimination in Sri Lanka and our community will encourage it positively. There is a huge cultural and other differences on our understanding. OK I will remove that word but my apartment is only for international guests and it is not for marketing purpose it is what my business and for better social recognition in Sri Lanka and to maintain my ethical standards etc. Once again thanks for your comments and support. Samantha

[Sarah977]

@Samantha372  What you need to understand is that in almost all countries, homestay means guests are sharing the home with the host. So if you are trying to attract international guests, it's not a good idea to confuse them with a different meaning of homestay.

[Samantha372]

Thanks for your opinion and appreciate it. Actually this is not to attract more international guests. All international guests represent many countries clearly know what I mean within the Sri Lankan culture. So I keep this open for all of you to understand and respect different cultures and different viewpoints of all parts of the world and not only the western part of the world. If we have changed the meaning and the definition of Homestay in Sri Lanka (including government approval) then it is a fcat know. We always make possible efforts to make a better world with good and positive changes with wider understanding. United Nations Sustainable Development Goals clearly stated that the importance of building such partnerships to create a better world for all. So please take this not get confuse and to learn about new innovation from another beautiful country in the world. What I share is not an opinion it is a fact with demonstrated results. Once again appreciate your comments. Best Regards Samantha