Airbnb

The Mountain Association works with local tourism offices and communities across Eastern Kentucky to put on “How to Airbnb” workshops.

The training was developed in response to research that found the need for more lodging in many communities, not just for tourists, but also for traveling workers and visiting family members.

Airbnb is a generally low-risk way for people to test the concept and tourism market, often times without much initial investment. As an Airbnb host, you are able to rent out space in your home or any other type of property like a cabin, campsite or treehouse through Airbnb’s short-term rental agreement. The advantage of Airbnb is that it can connect you to a large market of guests interested in your listing, with built-in protections regarding your identity, location and payment options.

Local Airbnb hosts don’t have to try to be a chain hotel. While we often see spotty cell service as a nuisance, visitors often delight in unplugging for the duration of their stay—as a host, you just need to know how to manage for that. For example, after our training in Clay County, a local resident established her own Airbnb and now brings in over $1200 per month in additional income.

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Check out our registration page for upcoming Airbnb workshops, or to host a training in your town, contact Zuojay Johnson at zuojay@mtassociation.org. 

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So far, we have held trainings in the following communities: