Hoping to escape all the battles with authorities in the U.S., Airbnb is taking its talents to Brazil as the FIFA World Cup kicks off.
The internationally renowned football tournament begins Thursday (June 12), so Airbnb has brought its online room-sharing services to Brazil’s major market. In doing so, the company has experienced a boom in profile, sales, and acceptance from the local government.
The Brazilian government has been more than happy in letting Airbnb set up shop, as an estimated 3.5 million foreigners and locals are now looking for a place to stay. “This will be a learning experience for hosts,” says Christian Gessner, general director of Airbnb Brazil, speaking at the company’s local headquarters. “Our goal is to grow the Brazilian community of hosts and guests … in Brazil, we see trust and hospitality as key factors for growth.”
More than 50,000 people will stay in Airbnb accommodations on big nights during the World Cup, but if you’ve ever been to Brazil – who’d want to sleep anyway?!