Some of the state’s most welcoming, creative and big-hearted hosts on Airbnb have been recognised as part of the platform’s second annual host awards, with an exciting and interactive kayak experience in secret waterways with stingrays in Noosaville taking out the Most Magical Experience award.
Celebrating the top hosts, listings and experiences on offer across the country, the Airbnb Host Awards aim to shine a spotlight on hosts for the incredible work they do for guests and the benefits they bring to their wider communities across six categories: Host of the Year, Best New Host, Best Unique Stay, Best Designed Stay, Best Nature Stay and Most Magical Experience.
Winner of this year’s Most Magical Experience, Paul Quincey wants to share his love of nature and create an authentic, in-the-moment experience for guests.
“When I was working in Sydney I spent years using all my annual leave to spend as much time as I could in the Noosa Shire,“ Paul said.
“It’s an absolute adventure playground. So eventually it dawned on me, why not live in paradise and share my love of the area, the outdoors and for adventure with others.
“Now I am doing just that, my Airbnb and kayaking experience is all about showcasing my passion for the environment and creating opportunities for guests to authentically connect with local wildlife and each other.
“After a few years in lockdown and the busyness of modern life, guests often note they loved mindfully switching off as they paddled and floated down the tranquil lake.
“It’s pretty cool to know that my experience can be so much more than a physical adventure, it brings smiles to faces and peace to the mind too.”
Other finalists from Queensland included surfing with Mark Occhilupo and kombucha workshop for beginners, both from the Most Magical Experience Category and individual Hosts were also recognised in both the Host of the Year and Best New Host categories.
Winning Hosts were selected based on extensive Airbnb data, guest scores and reviews, with oversight from a panel of judges that included Australia and New Zealand Airbnb country manager, Susan Wheeldon and expert Superhost Merrydith Callegari, who sits on Airbnb’s global Host Advisory Board.
“I was blown away by the finalists included in this year’s Airbnb’s Host Awards and the task of choosing a winner was incredibly difficult. It is clear these hosts put a lot of love and effort into their listings and it certainly pays off,” Merrydith Callegari said.
Susan Wheeldon said local hosts are the backbone of the Airbnb community.
“We know that hosts put in tremendous effort to ensure their listings are unique, curated and full of thoughtful touches that allow guests to immerse themselves in a truly unique experience to remember,“ Susan said.
“More than two years since the start of the pandemic, the travel revolution continues to unfold and the benefits of tourism are spreading further afield into regional Australia and New Zealand, and empowering locals to earn a living and make ends meet.
“We’ve seen fundamental shifts in the way people are travelling and living that are creating tangible opportunities for communities that lay off-the-beaten track.
“It’s incredibly exciting to see travellers so enthusiastic about exploring new destinations and Hosts act as passionate advocates for the regions and communities they live in. These hosts are also helping to bring valuable tourist dollars to local businesses and support jobs.“
