It has the potential to support family incomes while connecting visitors in need of lodging with the region’s most precious asset-it’s people.” They can test the concept and market, often times without much initial investment. Says Leslie, “Airbnb is a generally low-risk way for people to try a literal cottage industry. The Airbnb training aligns with MACED’s goal of supporting the regional tourism sector and supporting entrepreneurial development. How to Airbnb participants learn from facilitators Jessa Turner and Amy Lewis at the recent training in Manchester, KY. For example, while we as local residents often see spotty cell service as a nuisance, visitors often delight in unplugging for the duration of their stay-as a host, you just need to know how to manage for that.”Įarlier this spring, How to Airbnb was offered in Whitley City in partnership with the McCreary County Chamber of Commerce and in Manchester in partnership with the community group Stay in Clay. What’s important is learning how to market assets and manage what hosts may see as liabilities. “Our local Airbnb hosts don’t have to try to be a chain hotel-they’re something that’s unique to their property and their style as a host. “The beauty of Airbnb is that it’s a fairly easy to use, secure platform that can adapt to many different situations-from a room in someone’s home to a remote cabin without electricity,” says MACED Project Coordinator, Leslie Ferguson-Oles. MACED developed the training in conjunction with the Brushy Fork Institute at Berea College, as well as two regional Airbnb hosts who both informed the curriculum and facilitate the training. Participants will learn the skills they need to host successful Airbnb properties in eastern Kentucky -from writing the listing description, to learning their market, to complying with local tax and business regulations.

at the Slade Welcome Center located in the Red River Gorge.

The two-part training will be held on Sunday, August 12 th, and Sunday, August 19 th, from 3-6 p.m. This month, Powell County Tourism will host MACED’s How to Airbnb Training in Slade, Kentucky.

Airbnb red river gorge