Airbnb has launched the Country Pubs Project in a bid to encourage more Aussies to explore regional communities by breathing new life into local pubs.
Research shows 70 per cent of Aussies would like to see more of Australia by taking a regional road trip yet only 14 per cent of us have spent a night in a regional pub in the past year.
The same research carried out by Airbnb, revealed the local pub is considered one of the most important social hubs in Australia compared with RSL clubs, sporting clubs and even the church but only half of us would consider spending the night in one.
To help shine a light on these local icons, Airbnb will award five pubs a grant of up to $50,000 to help them boost business via the online booking platform.
The initiative aims to help generate tourism growth in small towns and communities which have suffered in recent years due to declining populations, drought, economic disruption and waning tourism.
From 16 June through to 12 July 2019, Aussies can nominate their favourite watering hole for The Country Pub Project by visiting Airbnb.com/countrypubproject, describing what makes their local pub so special, and why an Airbnb grant would help revitalise and restore this place in their local community.
The winning pubs will be announced on 5 August, with each paired with a project manager to oversee the on-site transformation process and an experienced Airbnb Host to guide the publican on registering on the platform.
The platform will also support the town in creating a unique ‘experience’ to attract travellers and help put the pub on the map.
