The Global Homestay Market was valued at USD 16,380 Million in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 29,861.61 Million by 2032, growing at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 6.90% during the forecast period (2023–2032). This growth is being driven by the rising demand for authentic and immersive travel experiences, the expansion of digital booking platforms, and increasing interest in cultural exchanges among millennials and Gen Z travelers, alongside the recovery and evolution of the tourism sector post-pandemic.
As the hospitality industry shifts toward personalized, community-driven accommodations and sustainable tourism, the focus is on innovative platforms and operators that connect travelers with local hosts. These companies are fostering deeper cultural connections, supporting local economies, and integrating technology for seamless bookings. In this blog, we profile the Top 10 Companies in the Homestay Market—a mix of global platforms, regional leaders, and emerging innovators shaping the future of experiential stays worldwide.
🔟 1. Airbnb
Headquarters: San Francisco, California, USA
Key Offering: Authentic Homestay, Comfortable Homestay, Tourist Homestay via online booking
Airbnb stands as the undisputed leader in the homestay space, revolutionizing travel by offering unique, home-like stays in over 220 countries and regions. The platform connects millions of hosts with guests seeking everything from cozy family homes to quirky treehouses, emphasizing local immersion and personalized experiences. With advanced features like flexible search filters and host verification, Airbnb has made homestays accessible to a broad audience, driving the democratization of travel accommodations.
Key Initiatives:
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Expansion of Experiences program integrating homestays with local activities
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Commitment to sustainable hosting practices through carbon offset tools
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Global partnerships with tourism boards to promote responsible travel
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9️⃣ 2. Tujia
Headquarters: Beijing, China
Key Offering: Tourist Homestay, Comfortable Homestay for online and offline booking
Tujia, China’s premier homestay platform, boasts an extensive network of over 800,000 listings across Asia, catering primarily to domestic and regional travelers. Founded in 2011, it specializes in rural and urban homestays that blend modern comforts with traditional Chinese hospitality, making it a go-to for family vacations and business trips. The company’s focus on big data analytics helps match guests with hosts based on preferences, enhancing satisfaction and repeat bookings.
Key Initiatives:
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Integration of AI for personalized recommendations and dynamic pricing
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Collaborations with local governments to develop rural tourism homestays
8️⃣ 3. Xiaozhu Homestay
Headquarters: Beijing, China
Key Offering: Authentic Homestay, Tourist Homestay via online platforms
Xiaozhu Homestay has carved a niche in China’s competitive market by offering high-quality, verified listings that prioritize safety and comfort. With a portfolio exceeding 300,000 properties, it serves urban explorers and leisure seekers, particularly in popular destinations like Shanghai and Hangzhou. The platform’s emphasis on professional management and guest reviews has built trust, positioning it as a reliable alternative to hotels for authentic stays.
Key Initiatives:
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Launch of premium homestay collections for luxury experiential travel
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Partnerships with e-commerce giants for bundled travel packages
7️⃣ 4. Meituan Homestay
Headquarters: Beijing, China
Key Offering: Comfortable Homestay, Tourist Homestay with online booking integration
Meituan, leveraging its dominance in China’s on-demand services, has expanded into homestays through its Dianping platform, offering over 1 million listings nationwide. It combines homestay bookings with food delivery and local services, creating a one-stop travel ecosystem. This integration appeals to tech-savvy users, driving growth in short-term rentals and supporting small homestay operators with marketing tools.
Key Initiatives:
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Goal to cover 90% of China’s tourist destinations by 2025
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Investment in host training programs for enhanced service quality
Download FREE Sample Report: Homestay Market – View in Detailed Research Report
6️⃣ 5. 9flats
Headquarters: Berlin, Germany
Key Offering: Authentic Homestay, Comfortable Homestay for European markets
9flats focuses on apartment-style homestays across Europe, providing a European-centric alternative to global giants with listings in over 100 cities. Known for its user-friendly interface and emphasis on private, furnished spaces, it caters to long-term stays and budget-conscious travelers. The platform’s community-driven approach ensures hosts receive direct payments and support, fostering a vibrant ecosystem for local accommodations.
Key Initiatives:
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Promotion of eco-friendly homestays with green certification badges
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Expansion into Eastern Europe to tap untapped markets
5️⃣ 6. HomeAway
Headquarters: Austin, Texas, USA (part of Expedia Group)
Key Offering: Tourist Homestay, Family-oriented Comfortable Homestays via online booking
HomeAway, now integrated into the Expedia ecosystem, specializes in vacation rentals and homestays that appeal to families and groups, with millions of listings worldwide. It differentiates through features like 24/7 customer support and secure booking processes, making it ideal for longer stays. The platform’s global reach, combined with localized marketing, has solidified its position in the competitive homestay landscape.
Key Initiatives:
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Current listings exceeding 2 million with a focus on verified hosts
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Target: Enhance mobile app features for seamless offline access by 2025
4️⃣ 7. VRBO
Headquarters: Austin, Texas, USA (part of Expedia Group)
Key Offering: Comfortable Homestay, Authentic Vacation Rentals
VRBO (Vacation Rentals by Owner) excels in premium homestay offerings, targeting leisure travelers seeking entire homes for privacy and space. With a strong presence in North America and Europe, it boasts over 2 million listings and prioritizes high-end properties with amenities like pools and Wi-Fi. Its marketing as a family-friendly option has driven consistent growth in bookings.
Key Initiatives:
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Integration with Expedia’s loyalty programs for cross-platform benefits
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R&D into virtual tours for immersive pre-booking experiences
Download FREE Sample Report: Homestay Market – View in Detailed Research Report
3️⃣ 8. Wooden Bird Homestay
Headquarters: Taipei, Taiwan
Key Offering: Authentic Homestay, Eco-friendly Tourist Stays
Wooden Bird Homestay operates primarily in Asia, offering boutique, nature-inspired accommodations that emphasize sustainability and cultural authenticity. With a curated selection of under 1,000 properties, it appeals to eco-conscious travelers seeking off-the-beaten-path experiences. The company’s hands-on approach to host selection ensures quality, building a loyal base in niche markets.
Key Initiatives:
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Indigenous community partnerships for cultural immersion programs
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Public-private collaborations to promote green tourism in Asia
2️⃣ 9. Booking.com (Homestay Section)
Headquarters: Amsterdam, Netherlands
Key Offering: Tourist Homestay, Comfortable Options via global online platform
Booking.com’s dedicated homestay and vacation rental section connects users to millions of private homes worldwide, leveraging its massive user base for visibility. It stands out with competitive pricing, flexible cancellation policies, and multilingual support, making it a favorite for international travelers. The platform’s data-driven insights help hosts optimize listings for better occupancy rates.
Key Initiatives:
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Aims to double homestay listings in emerging markets by 2027
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Major expansion of sustainability filters and carbon-neutral booking options
1️⃣ 10. Marriott International (Homes & Villas)
Headquarters: Bethesda, Maryland, USA
Key Offering: Premium Comfortable Homestay, Luxury Tourist Stays with online booking
Marriott International entered the homestay arena with its Homes & Villas by Marriott Bonvoy, offering upscale private rentals in over 90 destinations. This initiative bridges traditional hospitality with homestay flexibility, providing luxury amenities and Bonvoy rewards. It targets affluent travelers, ensuring high standards through vetted properties and concierge services.
Key Initiatives:
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End-to-end solutions including personalized local experiences for guests
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Strategic partnerships with luxury host networks and tourism operators
Read Full Report: Homestay Market – View in Detailed Research Report
🌍 Outlook: The Future of Homestay Market Is More Authentic and Connected
The homestay market is experiencing a transformative phase, with traditional lodging giving way to personalized, tech-enabled experiences that prioritize cultural depth and sustainability. While online platforms dominate bookings, the sector is pouring resources into community support, eco-friendly practices, and AI-driven personalization to meet evolving traveler expectations. This evolution not only boosts local economies but also addresses overtourism challenges through distributed stays.
Looking ahead, homestays will play a pivotal role in the global tourism rebound, fueled by a projected CAGR of 6.90% through 2032. Factors like remote work enabling longer trips and a preference for contactless options post-pandemic are accelerating adoption. However, challenges such as regulatory hurdles in urban areas and competition from hotels persist. Companies succeeding here are those investing in host empowerment, digital security, and inclusive growth, ensuring homestays remain a cornerstone of meaningful travel.
North America’s market, valued at USD 4,787.95 million in 2023 with a 5.91% CAGR from 2025 to 2032, highlights opportunities in experiential stays amid rising domestic tourism. In Asia-Pacific, rapid urbanization and middle-class expansion are propelling platforms like Tujia and Xiaozhu to new heights, while Europe’s focus on sustainable tourism favors operators like 9flats.
Overall, the market’s segmentation by type—authentic, comfortable, and tourist homestays—and application—online versus offline booking—reveals blue-ocean opportunities. Authentic homestays, emphasizing cultural immersion, are gaining traction among younger demographics, while online booking, projected to capture over 80% of the market share, underscores the digital shift. Geographic trends show Asia-Pacific leading in volume due to its vast host networks, followed by Europe and North America in premium segments.
📈 Key Trends Shaping the Market:
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Rapid digitalization with AI and VR for virtual property tours and personalized matching
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Regulatory adaptations promoting short-term rentals in urban and rural areas
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Sustainability mandates encouraging eco-homestays with renewable energy and waste reduction
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Platform-host alliances for training, insurance, and revenue optimization
Market Trends Affecting the Homestay Industry
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Integration of online and offline booking hybrids — platforms are blending digital ease with local agent support to cater to diverse user preferences, especially in emerging markets where internet access varies. This approach simplifies access while building trust through personalized consultations.
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Sustainable and eco-friendly homestay developments — hosts are adopting green practices like solar power and organic amenities to align with traveler values and regulations. Airbnb’s eco-certification, for instance, highlights properties reducing environmental impact.
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AI-driven personalization and analytics — advanced algorithms analyze user data for tailored recommendations, boosting conversion rates. Companies like Booking.com use this to enhance user engagement across multi-site operations.
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Expansion into niche markets like wellness and adventure homestays — specialized offerings reduce competition in standard segments and appeal to niche travelers. VRBO’s focus on family wellness retreats exemplifies this trend.
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Community building and host empowerment programs — initiatives providing training and financial tools help small operators thrive, fostering loyalty. Tujia’s rural host support programs are reshaping local economies in Asia.
To delve deeper into these dynamics, including detailed SWOT analyses, value chain breakdowns, and regional forecasts, the full report offers invaluable insights for stakeholders.
Read Full Report: Homestay Market – View in Detailed Research Report
The companies profiled above are not only providing unique stays—they’re pioneering the era of connected, sustainable travel, inviting guests to live like locals wherever they go.