Airbnb partners with London Borough of Waltham Forest
Airbnb partners with London Borough of Waltham Forest to empower residents to benefit from home sharing
Key Highlights
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- Airbnb and the London Borough of Waltham Forest are launching a new partnership to promote the benefits of homesharing across diverse communities.
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- £25,000 in funding will support grassroots events and cultural initiatives throughout the borough.
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- Waltham Forest to be featured on Airbnb via a dedicated landing page to attract more visitors and boost the local economy.
Airbnb and Waltham Forest Launch Partnership to Support Local Communities
Airbnb has teamed up with the London Borough of Waltham Forest on a pilot initiative aimed at extending the benefits of homesharing to more local residents. The project will encourage residents to reimagine how they use their homes—by occasionally hosting guests—with guidance and support from experienced Airbnb Ambassadors and established hosts.
As part of the partnership, Airbnb will spotlight Waltham Forest as a recommended destination through a dedicated landing page, driving awareness and attracting tourism. The initiative will not only empower residents to earn supplemental income but also stimulate the local economy by increasing footfall and spending in the area.
In 2022 alone, guest and host spending on Airbnb supported 22,500 jobs across London and contributed £592 million to the Greater London economy¹. Over 40% of UK hosts reported that income from hosting helped them stay in their homes². This partnership aims to expand those opportunities to more households and underrepresented communities in Waltham Forest.
New and prospective hosts will receive tailored resources, training, and mentorship to help them get started. The goal is to create a supportive and inclusive homesharing ecosystem that benefits families, businesses, and cultural life throughout the borough.
Waltham Forest is renowned for its vibrant creative scene, cultural heritage, and natural beauty—including the award-winning William Morris Gallery, Blackhorse Lane creative district, and Walthamstow Wetlands. With Airbnb’s backing, the borough will continue to grow as a cultural and tourism destination.
Airbnb is committing £25,000 to fund community-led events and cultural programming across the borough, further enhancing local engagement and celebration of Waltham Forest’s unique identity.
Amanda Cupples, General Manager for Northern Europe at Airbnb, said:
“Homesharing can bring real value to families and local economies. We’re thrilled to partner with Waltham Forest to showcase its cultural richness and to welcome new hosts into our community. This collaboration will help drive tourism, support small businesses, and benefit the wider community.”
Councillor Rosalind Doré, Cabinet Member for Libraries, Culture and Sports and Leisure, added:
“This is an exciting opportunity for residents to explore new income avenues with professional support. The partnership with Airbnb shines a light on our cultural strengths while encouraging tourism, investment, and community development.”
About the London Borough of Waltham Forest
Waltham Forest is a thriving borough rich in culture, creativity, and enterprise. From the William Morris Gallery and Vestry House Museum to the internationally recognized Walthamstow Wetlands, the area is a cultural powerhouse. Its world-class cultural offerings foster meaningful social and economic impact, making Waltham Forest a true destination borough—where diversity, creativity, and community come together to shape a bold and inclusive future.
About Airbnb
Founded in 2007, Airbnb began when two Hosts welcomed three guests into their San Francisco home. Since then, it has grown to over 5 million Hosts who have welcomed more than 2 billion guest arrivals across nearly every country in the world. Airbnb empowers people to connect and experience communities in a more authentic and meaningful way through unique stays and local experiences.
Sources
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- Bigger Economics (2022), Airbnb English Regions Economics Analysis Report, September 2022.
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- Airbnb internal survey of 4,373 UK Hosts (July–December 2022), margin of error under 2%.
