Airbnb for Business: SME Owners, Mil Gayi Jagah!

 The era of stiff hotel lobbies and predictable business suites is gradually fading. Today’s Indian business travelers—especially small and medium enterprise (SME) owners—are increasingly choosing homestays and serviced apartments over traditional hotels.

Platforms like Airbnb are tapping into this shift by promoting “Business Travel Ready” listings, specifically designed for corporate travelers.

These properties are not simply spare rooms or holiday rentals. They are curated spaces equipped with features that modern professionals expect while traveling for work.

Typical business-ready listings include:

• High-speed, reliable Wi-Fi
• Dedicated workspaces or desks
• Self check-in and flexible arrival times
• Flexible cancellation policies
• Quiet environments suitable for remote work

For many entrepreneurs traveling to another city for meetings, client pitches, or short projects, this model offers something traditional hotels often struggle to match—space, flexibility, and cost efficiency.

SMEs Are Driving the Shift

India’s fast-growing SME ecosystem is one of the key drivers behind this trend.

According to an EY industry report, nearly 65% of Indian SMEs now prefer homestays over hotels when traveling for business.

The reasons are practical:

• Lower accommodation costs
• Larger living and working spaces
• Kitchen facilities for longer stays
• A more comfortable environment for “bleisure” travel

The concept of **bleisure—blending business with leisure—**has become particularly popular among younger entrepreneurs and startup founders.

Instead of rushing back after meetings, travelers often extend their trips to explore the destination, work remotely for a few days, or relax between business commitments.

A Changing Corporate Travel Landscape

For travel managers and corporate travel planners, the rise of alternative accommodations signals an important shift.

Companies are increasingly recognizing that traditional hotel-only policies no longer reflect modern work patterns. Remote work, flexible schedules, and extended project assignments require more adaptable accommodation options.

Homestays and serviced apartments are particularly attractive for:

• Longer business trips
• Small team travel
• Startup founders and consultants
• Project-based assignments in other cities

In many cases, these options provide better value and comfort than standard hotel rooms.

B2B Takeaway

Alternative accommodations are no longer a niche segment—they are now part of mainstream corporate travel. Travel Management Companies (TMCs) should integrate homestays into corporate booking systems and policies. For SMEs especially, these options deliver cost-effective, flexible, and longer-stay solutions that align perfectly with modern business travel needs.

Sources:     RBI, CAPA, ONDC, KPMG, Deloitte, Gartner, IBEF