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.

With all our How to Airbnb courses, you receive a toolkit on how to start or improve an Airbnb listing, including information on taxes, marketing and more. The class is taught by Airbnb superhosts in rural Kentucky. Topics/exercises include:

• Is Airbnb Right for Me? What are your interests & concerns?
• Conducting Self Assessment & Property Assessment
• Assessing the Rural Landscape / Rural Considerations
• Earning Potential & Setting Competitive Rates
• Taxes / Insurance / Laws / Licenses
• Step by Step Guide to Writing a Listing
• Rules & How-Tos
• How to Take Great Photos
• Welcoming Guests/Hospitality
• Airbnb 5-Step Cleaning Protocol
• Promotion / Marketing

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Upcoming “How to Airbnb” Trainings

February 21 & February 28, 2023: REGISTRATION NOW CLOSED

If you’re interested in attending or hosting a future training in your town, contact Emily LaDouceur at emily@mtassociation.org. 

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