The homestay sector in the UK and Ireland has experienced remarkable growth in recent years. This has both transformed the way international visitors experience these countries and brought great economic benefits. From international students to business travellers, visitors increasingly choose homestay accommodation for its unique blend of affordability, authenticity, and cultural immersion. Let’s discover more about this significant industry.
Strengthening local communities
Unlike traditional hotels concentrated in city centres, homestay accommodation helps distribute economic benefits all across cities, suburbs, and rural areas. This industry allows host families to earn valuable supplementary income that flows directly into local economies through everyday spending, which creates a sustainable cycle of community investment. In fact, recent data shows that UK hosts collectively earn over £1.5 billion annually, with much of this revenue staying within local communities.
Supporting international education
One industry that relies heavily on quality homestay accommodation is the international education sector, which added £41.9 billion to the UK economy in 2021-2022. International students choosing to stay with local families not only benefit from improved language acquisition and cultural understanding, but also contribute significantly to regional economies. This creates a win-win situation, supporting both educational institutions and local communities in the UK and Ireland.
Enhancing tourism and cultural exchange
Homestays also play a key role in supporting the tourism sector, which generated over £100 billion for the UK economy in 2023. By providing additional accommodation capacity during peak seasons and major events, such as the Edinburgh Fringe and Wimbledon, homestays ensure that more visitors can experience British and Irish hospitality while contributing to the local economy.
As the demand for authentic travel experiences continues to grow, homestay accommodation remains a vital factor in growing the economy across the UK and Ireland. For educational institutions and agencies looking to give their students enriching accommodation options while supporting local communities, look no further than Hosts International’s comprehensive homestay options. Contact the team today for more details.