CVB to Host Airbnb Panel Discussion

EMPORIA, Kansas, January 1, 2018 – – The Emporia Convention & Visitors Bureau is hosting an informative panel discussion for people interested in learning about what’s involved in becoming an Airbnb host. The public is invited to attend this free educational event that will take place Tuesday, January 30, at 6:30 pm, at the Trusler Business Center, 719 Commercial Street.

A representative from the Kansas Department of Revenue and local Airbnb hosts will be on hand to share information, experiences and answer questions. According to airbnb.com, Airbnb’s are popular because travelers are looking for a unique place to stay. Hosts can earn money, they are in control of availability, pricing, house rules, and guest interaction. They also have 24/7 support from Airbnb and access to an online community of experienced hosts.

According to Emporia Convention & Visitors Bureau Director, Susan Rathke,  “Our hotels sell out during major events like the Glass Blown Open and Dirty Kanza. There is a need for additional lodging during these times and Airbnb appears to be a viable alternative. Transient Guest Tax, also known as hotel or bed tax, is collected by Airbnb the same as it is collected by our hotels.”

Both the Glass Blown Open and the Dirty Kanza have continued to grow over the years and 2018 is no exception. Dynamic Discs Events Coordinator, Doug Bjerkaas, says, “The Dynamic Discs Glass Blown Open has continued to grow rapidly. Disc golfers and disc golf fans from all over the country and world consider it the top destination tournament on the schedule each year. The 2016 GBO set the record as the largest tournament in PDGA (Professional Disc Golf Association) history with 1120 participants. The 2018 GBO has over 1600 players registered!  These guests of Emporia are stretching the limits of the current hotels and motels.  Dynamic Discs hopes the incredible economic impact of GBO participants on Emporia is not limited by our inability to provide enough lodging.”

A high school gravel race is being added to the line-up at the Dirty Kanza this year to encourage a safe and healthy option for outdoor adventure. Additional riders will require additional lodging. “We are excited that Dirty Kanza continues to bring thousands of people to Emporia, KS. We are beyond thankful to the folks of Emporia for embracing this event and the people who come to participate. However, the number of people that pour into Emporia Dirty Kanza weekend far exceeds the town’s ability to house them all. While we can’t all be hotel operators, we can create a win-win opportunity. Through programs like Air BnB, you can turn your basement, your home, or even just a single room into a lodging opportunity for out of town guests. Not only will you earn extra cash for yourself, Air BnB’s are subject to the same Tourist Tax that hotels are. That means tourist tax dollars will be captured and used to improve Emporia. Listing your home, or a room in it is an amazing way to get paid while helping to serve this great community!” says Dirty Kanza Promotions Operations Manager, LeLan Dains.