We are honored to win the 2022 Airbnb Host Awards in New Zealand for the category of BEST DESIGNED STAY.
Following are abstracts from an article in New Hub.
Heavenly Escape in Waikato that features 360 degree ocean views has picked up the Best Designed Stay award.
"The hosts have designed a beautiful home that takes full advantage of its location and the needs of a family or group on holiday," said Airbnb Host Awards judge Felicity Stevens.
"They have also gone to great lengths to set up a substantial solar system to power the home and guests' electric cars if needed. They are also incredible, helpful and generous hosts who provide their guests with great information on activities in the local area and set up a well designed home to ensure their guests leave having created incredible memories and wanting to return."
Susan Wheeldon, Airbnb’s Country Manager for Australia and New Zealand, said:
“Local Hosts are the backbone of the Airbnb community and to be able to recognise those who go above and beyond is a real honour.
“We know that Hosts put in tremendous effort to ensure their listings are unique, curated and full of thoughtful touches that allow guests to immerse themselves in a truly unique experience to remember.
“More than two years since the start of the pandemic, the travel revolution continues to unfold and the benefits of tourism are spreading further afield into regional Australia and New Zealand, and empowering locals to earn a living and make ends meet. We’ve seen fundamental shifts in the way people are travelling and living that are creating tangible opportunities for communities that lay off-the-beaten track.
“It’s incredibly exciting to see travellers so enthusiastic about exploring new destinations and Hosts act as passionate advocates for the regions and communities they live in. These Hosts are also helping to bring valuable tourist dollars to local businesses and support jobs.
“Being a Host is not just about sharing a special place, it also allows people to showcase their local areas while having an opportunity to earn extra income to combat the rising cost of living. Becoming a Host has never been easier with Host listings able to be set up in 10 easy steps and Airbnb has also launched AirCover, which provides top-to-bottom cover each and every reservation for free for every Host.”
Winning Hosts were selected based on extensive Airbnb data, guest scores and reviews, with oversight from a panel of judges that included Australia and New Zealand Airbnb Country Manager, Susan Wheeldon and New Zealand-born Host, Felicity Stevens, who is also a Global Host Advisory Board Member.
“Being involved in the Host awards judging has been a real honour and the dedication and passion that these Hosts show to their guests and the experiences on offer is truly remarkable.
“New Zealanders are known for their hospitality and openness and these Hosts prove that this is certainly the case. Not to mention their creativity and craftsmanship that is also on display with these beautiful Airbnb listings,” Felicity Stevens said.