The Internet Association Welcomes Airbnb as Newest Member

THE INTERNET ASSOCIATION ADDS POPULAR TRAVEL SITE TO ITS MEMBERSHIP ROSTER

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Internet Association, the Washington voice of America’s online economy, announces the addition of Airbnb, a popular online travel booking service, to its growing membership roster.

“Airbnb is helping to lead a growing sharing economy that is changing the way people live in incredible new ways, and helping to boost our economy in the process. Half of the users we have surveyed say they depend on the extra income they get from renting out their homes on Airbnb to pay their own rent mortgage, and countless local businesses have been given a boost in a down economy. We are excited to join the Internet Association and its member companies because all of these companies are helping people survive and thrive in the 21st century, and there is a lot of work yet to be done in imparting that message to policymakers here and abroad” said David Hantman, Head of Global Policy at Airbnb.

“Airbnb is the poster child for how great ideas can thrive thanks to the Internet and we are delighted to welcome Airbnb to The Internet Association,” said Michael Beckerman, President and CEO of The Internet Association. “Their story is a reminder of the constant innovation in our growing Internet economy. We welcome Airbnb’s engagement on important issues of Internet freedom, economic growth and user empowerment. The story of the ‘sharing economy’ is a fascinating one. Lawmakers and regulators at every level need to take notice because companies like Airbnb are creating enormous value for their constituents.”

Founded in 2008, Airbnb is one of the most trusted online community marketplaces for users to list, discover, and book unique short-term accommodations worldwide. Over 4 million total guests have traveled on Airbnb in over 34,000 cities around the world.

Airbnb will be joining The Internet Association’s member companies Amazon.com, AOL, eBay, Expedia, Facebook, Google, IAC, LinkedIn, Monster Worldwide, Rackspace, salesforce.com, TripAdvisor, Yahoo!, and Zynga.

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