Airbnb has called on Liverpool residents to rent out their homes to help soften the Eurovision Song Contest accommodation crisis.
Thousands of fans from across the world are expected to head to the city in May. After the initial announcement that the contest would be housed in Liverpool, hotel prices skyrocketed with some reaching upwards of £700.
Some fans claimed their original bookings made in advance were cancelled to accommodate the new wave of demand willing to pay a higher price. Since then, fans have struggled to find accommodation with many either giving up or turning to Airbnb.
READ MORE: Eurovision 2023: How to get tickets, cost and release date and time
The private accommodation company has now urged Liverpool residents to help soften the accommodation crisis by putting their own homes up for rent during Eurovision season. Their plea comes just before tickets for the event are to on sale tomorrow, March 7, at midday.
The average nightly cost of a private room on Airbnb in Liverpool over the week of the show is currently £105. Assuming a guest stays for the five-night duration, a Liverpool resident could pocket over £500 just by sharing their spare room during the big event.
Last year, a typical host of a private room on Airbnb in the UK earned about £2,400. To encourage local families and communities, Airbnb is also offering a £50 travel coupon to anybody that hosts their first Airbnb guest in a private room in Liverpool during the dates of the contest.
Amanda Cupples, general manager for Northern Europe at Airbnb said: "As guests from across the world head to the City of Music, we want everyone in Liverpool to benefit. By opening their homes, locals can earn some extra cash, showcase the best of authentic local hospitality and help bring communities together to unite them through music.
"Airbnb has made it easier than ever for anyone to become a host and as living costs continue to rise, we know that home sharing is a welcome lifeline for thousands across the UK."
Cllr Harry Doyle – Cabinet Member for Culture and Visitor Economy said: "Hosting Eurovision on behalf of Ukraine is a real honour for the city and we want as many visitors as possible to enjoy it here in Liverpool.
"This is a great initiative that will not only give our residents an opportunity to share any spare space and benefit financially but provide the warm welcome that we are renowned for."
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