Airbnb and Bunnings team up to turn spare rooms into listings

Airbnb and Bunnings have launched a partnership to encourage Australians to turn underused spaces in their homes into Airbnb listings.

The campaign runs through OneReach, Wesfarmers’ retail media network, until December.

The pitch is that home improvement projects, such as refreshing a spare room or upgrading an outdoor area, can be a first step towards hosting. Airbnb says 38% of hosts in Australia host to help cover rising living costs, and 54% have put their earnings towards everyday needs.

Susan Wheeldon, Airbnb's Country Manager for Australia and New Zealand, said: “Growing our host community means helping more Australians to see what is possible within their own homes and to help unlock new earning opportunities.

"By partnering with Bunnings, we can reach homeowners in an environment where they are already thinking about their space, and then give them the inspiration, reassurance and practical support to take the next step.”

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Justine Mills, Bunnings Director of Marketing and Retail Media, said: “At Bunnings, we see firsthand how passionate Australians are about improving their homes and making them work harder for their lifestyle and needs. This partnership brings together practical home improvement ideas and hosting inspiration to help customers unlock the potential of spaces that may otherwise be underused.

"Whether it’s refreshing a spare bedroom, creating a welcoming guest retreat or simply updating a space to make it more functional, we’re excited to provide customers with the inspiration, advice and confidence to get started.”

The campaign centres on Host Ready, a content series showing how homeowners can get a space ready for guests over a weekend. It also promotes spare rooms, granny flats and whole homes while owners are away as spaces that can be listed on Airbnb.

Bunnings is running a mini-magazine in stores, a digital content hub with advice and host stories, eDMs, in-store screens and radio. Off-network premium display and social media complete the mix. Bunnings’ campaign page also carries host stories, DIY ideas and guidance on listing a space.

Eight Host Ready workshops will run in Bunnings stores in Melbourne, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast and Brisbane from late September to early November. Experienced Airbnb hosts and Bunnings team members will give advice to prospective hosts.