The Airbnb team in Australia has plans to revitalise the classic Aussie country pub. Drawing in new hosts and new travellers to small rural communities, the Country Pub program will begin with five of Australia’s favourite pubs, nominated by anyone, for a makeover grant.
The country pubs project wants to bring travellers to rural areas. Image by Airbnb
Publicans will also get matched with a host and mentored in Airbnb hosting, providing these businesses with an injection of much-needed revenue stream – the Airbnb traveller.
Country pubs in Australia are the focal point of many rural communities: a place to eat, drink, and socialise with fellow locals, as well as travellers passing through. Often they’re the grandest buildings in town, built during the colonial heyday when wool was expensive and gold was discovered.
Australian country pubs are hoping for a new lease of life. Image by Richard Durham / 500px/Getty Images
Many country pubs in Australia have accommodation attached, but this is not as well known to travellers using travel apps – rather than local websites and guidebooks – to find their next night’s bed, or Australians who need to get out and explore their own backyard more. These are the opportunities Airbnb wants to unlock, and return the Australian country pub to their former glory.
Airbnb is running a contest to revitalize Australian pubs. Image by Airbnb
Airbnb spokesperson Brent Thomas said: “pubs are important places of reconnection for locals and travellers alike. They offer more than just a meal and a bed. As is the case in many rural towns, these pubs are a central meeting place, corner store, town hall and much more.” Other creative initiatives Down Under have drawn new travellers to remote towns they would otherwise have bypassed on the road to somewhere like the Silo Art Trail and street art festivals.
As well as listing the pubs Airbnb will be promoting rural destinations and encouraging guests to visit. It’s only when you sit down and talk to the locals over a cold pint will you find out about that secret swimming hole, that perfect spot to see the Milky Way, or hear an anecdote from the school days of one of Australia’s rock icons.
Airbnb will reveal the five pubs that will receive a grant on 5 August 2019. For more info and to nominate your favourite Aussie pub, visit here.
Words: Hugh McNaughtan
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