A new Oxford Economics report, commissioned by Airbnb, reveals that the platform contributed ₹13,300 crore to India’s GDP in 2024 and helped sustain 111,000 jobs, while also contributing ₹2,400 crore in wages. Domestic travellers accounted for roughly 91% of all Airbnb guests, up from about 79% in 2019, underscoring a sharp rise in home-grown tourism.
Airbnb guest spending in India, which includes both accommodation and non-accommodation expenses, reached ₹11,200 crore last year. Guests stayed approximately two nights, and spent about ₹11,000 per day on essentials like dining, retail, and transport beyond their lodging. Of every ₹10,000 spent in-destination, around ₹3,800 went to restaurants; ₹2,400 to transport; ₹2,100 to shopping; ₹900 to arts and entertainment; and ₹800 to groceries.
While city destinations still dominate, rural and non-urban stays are gaining traction: non-urban Gross Booking Value (GBV) comprised 16% in 2024, after tripling since 2019. Among the sectors benefiting from Airbnb’s spillovers were transport and storage, agriculture, real estate, manufacturing, and wholesale & retail trade, collectively supporting tens of thousands of jobs.
In particular, the report notes employment of approximately 38,000 in transport & storage; 19,600 in food & beverage services; 16,800 in wholesale & retail; and 10,700 in manufacturing. Wage benefits followed similar patterns: ₹810 crore in transport & storage; ₹290 crore in manufacturing; and ₹260 crore in real estate.
James Lambert, Director of Economic Consulting Asia for Oxford Economics, said,
“India’s tourism sector is driven by strong demand amongst domestic travellers. Airbnb is playing an important role by dispersing tourism benefits more widely across the country.”
Amanpreet Bajaj, Country Head for Airbnb India & Southeast Asia, added,
“This report shows how domestic travel continues to fuel micro entrepreneurship, boost allied sectors, and support small businesses across emerging and lesser-known destinations.”
For hotel operators, F&B businesses, and allied services, Airbnb’s reported economic impact is a reminder of how guest spending goes well beyond rooms. As domestic travel continues growing, local restaurants, transportation providers, retail stores, and rural hospitality enterprises stand to capture more value. Businesses that can partner with or adapt to guest preferences in non-urban and experience-based travel will be better placed to ride this momentum.
