While it’s seen by some as a risky venture, Airbnb is doing good business in South Bend.
2017 figures for the online marketplace, which allows people to offer up their home or other vacant properties as alternatives to hotel stays, show that 20,000 people used the site to stay in South Bend this year, generating just under $3 million for hosts.
Overall the service is credited with bringing 175,000 people to Indiana this year. The Journal Gazette reports that represents a 108% year-over-year growth for the service, as far as Indiana is concerned.
Hosts in South Bend and Michigan City brought in a combined $3.75 million this year. South Bend was listed 2nd on the site’s list of Indiana host income, with Indianapolis taking 1st place.