Online marketplace to expand in South Africa

Airbnb CEO, Brian Chesky has traveled to South Africa with the aim to launch Airbnb’s platform in the country.

According to IT News Africa, Chesky added that the company also plans to accelerate its growth in the country as it is its largest market on the continent.

Airbnb is an online marketplace that allows travelers to connect with people who have spare space in their homes to rent to travelers. According to Chesky this will allow the home to make a profit from their property as well as allow travelers cheaper rates as well as  experience a destination like a local.

At the launch Chesky stated that: “South Africa is an incredibly beautiful and diverse country, with so much to offer visitors. South Africa has a vibrant and welcoming community, and we look forward to expanding so that even more visitors can benefit from the unique and local experiences that the country and our hosts, using Airbnb’s platform can provide.”

Chesky announced that Airbnb had named Nicola D’Elia as General Manager for the region.