New research highlights hosting as an engine for Latino generational wealth

The U.S. Latino community continues to power national economic momentum, contributing more than $3.6 trillion to the American GDP.1 A new national poll commissioned by the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (USHCC), in partnership with Airbnb, finds that Latino adults increasingly view short-term rental hosting not as a passive side hustle, but as a legitimate entry point into business ownership and a practical tool for long-term economic independence.

Where traditional business formation often requires credit and capital that many Latino entrepreneurs struggle to access, short-term hosting utilizes an asset millions of Latino families already own: their homes.

Key findings from the report:

• 84% of Latino adults say flexible income opportunities help families manage rising living costs.2
• 76% say short-term hosting can be a practical way to supplement household income.3
• 73% say hosting can help families make resourceful use of property they already own.4
• 71% say hosting can help families use property to support multiple generations, rising to 81% among those living in multigenerational households.5
• Among Latino adults who have hosted, over two thirds say it helped pay household expenses and 1 in 2 say it made them feel more financially secure.6

“This report brings new light to the entrepreneurial spirit that has for generations helped build this country and is a key pillar of Hispanic heritage. With these fresh findings, we understand that by hosting on Airbnb, Latinos generate vital income to navigate the current cost of living, save for retirement, and create a lasting family legacy. We’re proud to have the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce as a thought and community partner in championing Latino communities.”

Jordi Torres Mallol, Airbnb Regional Director for the Americas.

Latino hosts on entrepreneurship, family, and retirement

The study’s findings reflect the real-world experiences of Latino hosts across the country who rely on hosting to support their families, care for relatives, and build lasting legacy businesses.

“I found myself in a forced early retirement in 2015 due to a disability, trying to find a way to make income… Airbnb changed my life.”

Helen Betances, Airbnb host

Advocating for balanced, common-sense regulations

The report reveals that Latinos  want to keep short-term rentals as an accessible pathway to opportunity:

• 91% agree that short-term rental hosts should pay their fair share of taxes and meet basic safety standards.7
• 52% favor allowing responsible hosting under reasonable guidelines, compared to 43% of the general population sample,8 and 79% say rules should be clear and easy to understand.9

The findings demonstrate that balanced policies preserve accessible pathways to financial security, whereas disproportionate restrictions directly impede generational wealth creation for Latino families.

“It’s a big deal for our kids to see their parents, who are Hispanic, in positions of leadership and successfully managing a business on a platform like this.”

Gina Ortiz, Latino host & Community Leader

Empowering Latino hosts and neighborhood economies

Partnerships like the one between Airbnb and the USHCC reinforce a shared commitment to expanding economic opportunity and wealth diversification for Latino communities. By converting property into productive business assets, Latino hosts are launching micro-enterprises, keeping tourism dollars within local neighborhoods, and building financial resilience for future generations.

“We are in our mid-60s and we care for our 90-year-old mothers. Airbnb allows us to generate income while maintaining the flexibility that our family situation requires.”

Agustín Vizcarra, Airbnb host.