How about the opportunity to design the Airbnb of your dreams? If you enjoy staying in unusual and downright wacky accommodations, this is your calling, as the online booking platform has introduced a brand new first-of-its-size fund to encourage designers, architects, do-it-yourselfers, and other creators from around the world to submit their ideas.
Of all the entries, 100 of the most outlandish ideas will be supported by a USD100,000 (approximately RM440,000) OMG! Fund, allowing 100 people to turn their wildest dreams into real-life Airbnb OMG! Category listings.
Ideas will be evaluated by a panel of experts for their creativity, viability, sustainability, and the experience the venue will offer visitors. The judges are:
- Iris Apfel, one of the most stylish centenarians ever
- Koichi Takada, founder of Sydney-based international studio Koichi Takada Architects, recognised for naturalistic design
- Kristie Wolfe, OMG! Founder and Airbnb Superhost. Listings include the Potato Hotel, Crystal Peak Lookout, Big Island Treehouse, and the upcoming Shipwreck House
- Bruce Vaughn, Disney alum and Airbnb VP of Experiential Creative Product
There is a growing demand from Airbnb guests for unique and surprising venues that become destinations in their own right, and Airbnb Categories, which were introduced last month, are helping them find them.
The USD10,000,000 OMG! Fund is open for a period of 30 days and ends on 22 July 2022 at 11:59 pm ET / 23 July 2022 at 11:59 am MYT (Malaysia Standard Time). The panel will select the 100 winners over the next few months, with the goal of completing their new construction locations by the end of the year.
Anyone with an out-of-this-world idea can now submit an application on the website here.
See the official rules for further information, including a list of eligible countries.
