Airbnb has begun handing over around 700 low-flow showerheads to hosts across the peninsula, as part of its joint campaign with Wesgro, to encourage Airbnb hosts to save water.

These showerheads will help save approximately 70% of water and 30% electricity in Airbnb listed homes across the region, and it’s estimated that the joint campaign could save up to 70 million litres of water per year.

Airbnb has been completely overwhelmed by the response of hosts. Originally, the company was to distribute 500 showerheads, but the hugely positive response has resulted in the company quickly deciding to up the number of showerheads available. Members of Tirisano – the newly formed Khayelitsha Home Sharing Club – immediately stepped up to the plate, helping out with packaging and distribution. 

“Airbnb supports responsible hosting – and water saving is a critical part of that for the Cape Town community.” – Velma Corcoran, Airbnb.

Velma Corcoran, Airbnb’s Regional market consultant for Sub-Saharan Africa said: “Making travel more sustainable is at the core of what Airbnb does. The company is committed to going further and doing everything they can to help address the water crisis that is affecting Cape Town.

“Airbnb is reaching out to guests travelling this festive season to raise awareness, we have organized meet-ups for our community to discuss their water-saving best practice and we continue to look for additional ways to support through our partnership with Wesgro which includes this initiative to distribute water saving shower heads to the host community. Airbnb supports responsible hosting – and water saving is a critical part of that for the Cape Town community.”

Minister Winde said the campaign was part of the Western Cape’s peak season drive to share the water savings message with tourists.

www.airbnb.com/South_Africa/Airbnb‎