What are the Airbnb Host Awards?

The inaugural Airbnb Host Awards program aims to celebrate the best Hosts, be they Homes Hosts or Experiences Hosts, in Australia and New Zealand. Our Hosts are what make Airbnb so special and are the ones working to make our guests happy every day of the year.

How were the winners selected? / What is the eligibility criteria?

The finalists and winners of the Airbnb Host Awards in Australia and New Zealand were based on booking data from Airbnb from 1 July, 2021 to 30 June, 2022. All active Hosts and listings with a review rating greater than 4.8 stars (on 1 July 2022, as these are subject to change) and at least 10 bookings from 1 July 2021 to 30 June 2022, were considered.

Guest reviews, including both star ratings and written reviews, were taken into account. The specific eligibility criteria and judging evaluation varied by category. An independent judging panel reviewed the finalists in each category to select the National winners.

What are the different award categories?

Host of the Year: Hosts who provide consistently outstanding experience and hospitality to their guests.

Most Unique Stay: Hosts who provide a unique stay for their guests through a distinct home.

Best Nature Stay: Hosts who provide an authentic country experience in regional and rural locations.

Best Design Stay: Hosts who showcase highly considered design throughout their homes.

Most Magical Experience: Experience Hosts who are passionate and consistently provide a unique, one-of-a-kind memorable activity for their guests (note: in real life Experiences only, excludes Online Experiences).

Best New Host: Hosts who started Hosting on Airbnb within the past year, who also create a warm and inviting space and help guests feel that they belong anywhere in the world.

Who are the judges?

Felicity Stevens: Host Awards Judge & Host Advisory Board Member
Felicity has been welcoming guests from all over the world to her enhanced corner of Sydney, Australia for over a decade and is a New Zealand native. She focuses on reducing greenhouse emissions, conserving resources and reducing waste.

Merrydith Callegari: Host Awards Judge & Host Advisory Board Member
Merrydith started Hosting on Airbnb in Tasmania, Australia in 2016 and loves to travel. She has been an Airbnb Community Club Leader for 4 years, organising Host events across Tasmania,connecting our passionate community of Hosts and offering first hand advice where she can.

Susan Wheeldon: Host Awards Judge & Australia and New Zealand Airbnb Country Manager
Susan has been Airbnb’s Country Manager for Australia and New Zealand since October, 2019. She has more than 20 years of experience across the tech, travel, e-commerce, legal and property sectors and is passionate about travel, staying in over 50 Airbnbs in the past 3 years alone!

How could I be considered in future years?

Work on building 5 star reviews, increase your calendar availability, and consistently provide a great experience to your guests.

What do the Award winners win?

All National winners will be able to display an award certificate on their listing that will let future potential guests know they are an especially exceptional Host. They will also receive an Airbnb giftcard and a commemorative trophy.

Is this a global awards program?

Currently this program is specific to Australia and New Zealand. We hope to explore growing this program in more markets globally in future years.