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New Delhi [India], December 18: With Gen Z and millennials in India increasingly interested in traveling to Japan and South Korea, and increasing desire to learn Japanese and Korean, Airbnb and Duolingo are launching a unique campaign that offers travelers an exceptional opportunity to immerse themselves in the travel experience. The rich cultural tapestry of these two unique countries. The program aims to reduce the language barrier that often hinders deep cultural immersion, and to provide travelers with essential language skills to enhance their appreciation and understanding of local customs and traditions.
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The spike in language learning on Duolingo aligns perfectly with the increase in searches for local stays on Airbnb, demonstrating a desire among Indians to break down language barriers and engage in more meaningful connections with local communities while traveling to Japan or South Korea. Recent Airbnb data revealed a significant increase in interest in traveling to Japan and South Korea. We’ve seen nearly 75 percent growth in searches for Airbnb stays in Korea and a whopping nearly 300 percent increase for stays in Japan(1). At the same time, Duolingo has reported a notable trend in language learning preferences among Indians, with Japanese and Korean emerging as some of the most popular languages learned on the platform. Globally, Japanese is the fifth most learned language, while Korean has jumped to sixth place, highlighted the 2023 Duolingo Language Report, which tracks the world’s biggest trends in language learning. The report also noted a remarkable 75% year-on-year growth in Korean language learning among learners in India(2). This parallel rise in interests in travel and language underscores the growing fascination with Japanese and Korean cultures among Indian travellers.
Building on these trends, Airbnb and Duolingo are teaming up to transform travel experiences in Japan and South Korea, targeting the language barrier that often gets in the way of deeper cultural immersion. This cooperation seeks to provide travelers with basic language skills, and enhance their understanding and appreciation of local customs and traditions.
By combining Duolingo’s language learning expertise with locally hosted stays via Airbnb, this initiative promises a richer, more authentic travel journey. Travelers can now navigate these destinations with new confidence in their language abilities while staying in local Airbnb stays that offer them the opportunity to live like a local.
“Airbnb has always believed in fostering authentic travel and meaningful connections. Our latest data(3) shows an increase in interest among Indians and millennials looking for stays on our platform, with Japan and South Korea being popular destinations for cultural exploration. Recognizing this, Amanpreet Bajaj, Director, said: Airbnb’s Year for India, Southeast Asia and Hong Kong: “Language barriers can diminish the richness of travel, and our collaboration with Duolingo goes beyond language learning; It is about immersing travelers deeply in new cultures, creating lasting experiences and memories.” And Taiwan.
“At Duolingo, our mission is to make language learning fun and effective. We’re thrilled to partner with Airbnb to provide an opportunity that blends learning and travel in a seamless way, giving people all the right tools to allow them to have a great experience,” said George Oddi, global head of business development and partnerships at Duolingo. authentic and overcome language barriers while traveling with ease.”
Airbnb and Duolingo Dream Contest is Now Available – Break Language Barriers and Unlock Authentic Travel Experiences in Japan or South Korea
Program details
This competition provides an opportunity to authentically discover Japan and South Korea by learning the local language on Duolingo before embarking on the trip and staying in locally hosted Airbnbs in each country.
* Through the contest, Airbnb and Duolingo are looking for two lucky winners (with one companion each) to participate in an ongoing series of language learning for at least 10 days on Duolingo, sharing their interest in embarking on a culturally rich travel experience to Japan. Or South Korea.
* During their travel, winners will be able to stay in Airbnbs hosted by locals and delve into different cultural experiences, capturing the essence of local life.
* Additionally, the first 50 new Airbnb users to join the contest will receive INR 5,000 Airbnb credit and a 1-year Super Duolingo membership.
* Winners will reveal the rich and vibrant fabric of Japan or South Korea, with newfound language skills that will enrich their interactions with local people.
Beginning December 11, 2023, 11:00 AM IST, until January 2, 2024, 11:59 PM IST, eligible applicants can participate in the competition by visiting airbnb.com/duolingo and completing the application form.
Participants must be residents of India, over 18 years of age, and available to travel to Japan or South Korea between February 1, 2024 and March 31, 2024. Selected winners will be contacted directly via Airbnb by January 15, 2024. For more information See the contest rules.
*Terms and conditions apply. Please review the competition rules for all details.
Airbnb was founded in 2007 when two hosts welcomed three guests into their San Francisco home, and has since grown to more than 4 million hosts who have welcomed more than 1.5 billion guests in nearly every country around the world. Every day, hosts offer unique stays and experiences that allow guests to connect with communities in a more authentic way.
Duolingo is a fun, free app for learning more than 40 languages, like Japanese and Korean, with quick, bite-sized lessons. Learn a new language with the world’s most downloaded educational app!
(1) Based on searches for stays in Japan/South Korea by Indian guests from 1 January to 30 September 2023 vs. same period last year
(2) Duolingo Language Report 2023
(3) Based on searches for stays in Japan/South Korea by Indian guests from January 1 to September 30, 2023 versus the same period last year.
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Are you ready for the ultimate travel adventure? Airbnb and Duolingo have joined forces to offer a one-of-a-kind experience that will not only take you to new and exciting destinations, but also immerse you in the local culture and language. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or a novice explorer, this collaboration will provide you with the opportunity to discover the world in a whole new way. From language lessons to authentic accommodations, get ready to embark on the journey of a lifetime with Airbnb and Duolingo.