In response to the growing interest among Indian GenZs and Millennials in travel and language learning, particularly Japanese and Korean, Airbnb and Duolingo have collaborated on an innovative campaign. This unique initiative aims to provide travelers with an extraordinary opportunity to explore Japan and South Korea and immerse themselves in the rich cultural tapestry of these nations. The program addresses the language barrier that often hinders deeper cultural immersion, offering essential language skills to enhance travelers’ appreciation and understanding of local customs and traditions.
Recent trends indicate a significant increase in language learning on Duolingo, aligning with a rising demand for local stays on Airbnb. This campaign caters to the desire among Indians to break down language barriers and engage in more meaningful connections with local communities while traveling to Japan or South Korea. Airbnb data reveals a substantial uptick in travel interest to these destinations, with a nearly 75 percent growth in searches for Airbnb stays in Korea and an impressive 300 percent increase for stays in Japan. Simultaneously, Duolingo reports a noticeable trend in language learning preferences among Indians, with Japanese and Korean emerging as some of the most popular languages learned on the platform.
To capitalize on these trends, Airbnb and Duolingo are collaborating to transform travel experiences in Japan and South Korea. This partnership seeks to equip travelers with essential language skills, facilitating a deeper understanding and appreciation of local customs and traditions.
By combining Duolingo’s language learning expertise with Airbnb’s locally hosted stays, this initiative promises a more enriched and authentic travel journey. Travelers can now navigate through these destinations with newfound confidence in their language abilities while staying at local Airbnb stays that offer them the opportunity to live like a local.
Amanpreet Bajaj, Airbnb’s General Manager for India, Southeast Asia, Hong Kong, and Taiwan, expressed, “Our collaboration with Duolingo goes beyond language learning; it’s about deeply immersing travelers in new cultures, creating lasting experiences and memories.” George Audi, Global Head of Business Development & Partnerships for Duolingo, added, “We are delighted to partner with Airbnb to bring an opportunity that blends learning and traveling in such a seamless manner, providing people with all the right tools to allow them to have an authentic experience and overcome language barriers during travel with ease.”
To make this experience even more exciting, Airbnb and Duolingo are launching a contest, offering two lucky winners (and their companions) a chance to discover Japan and South Korea authentically. The winners will engage in a continuous 10-day language learning streak on Duolingo before embarking on their journey, staying in locally hosted Airbnbs in each country. Additionally, the first 50 new Airbnb users who join the contest will win INR 5000 in Airbnb credits and a year-long Super Duolingo membership.
The contest is open to Indian residents over 18, available to travel to Japan or South Korea between February 1, 2024, and March 31, 2024. The application period is from December 11, 2023, at 11:00 AM IST to January 2, 2024, at 11:59 PM IST. Participants can apply by visiting airbnb.com/duolingo and completing the application form.
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