Airbnb invests $250,000 in Rhode Island Summer of Soccer

Airbnb Newsroom
Published: February 25, 2026
Growth & Marketing

Summary

Airbnb is investing $250,000 in Rhode Island for the FIFA World Cup 26™, alongside a new host incentive program. New hosts in the Greater Boston and Rhode Island region can earn $750 by welcoming their first guests. The World Cup is projected to generate significant economic activity, with potential earnings for local hosts and small businesses.

Key Insights

  • Airbnb is investing $250,000 in Rhode Island through its Host City Impact Program.
  • Eligible new hosts in the Greater Boston and Rhode Island region can earn $750 by welcoming their first guests before July 31, 2026.
  • FIFA World Cup 26™ travel is projected to generate $189 million in economic activity across Greater Boston and Rhode Island from short-term rentals alone.
  • Over 164,000 fans are expected to travel to the Boston region for the World Cup, with local hosts projected to earn an average of $5,000 during the event.

Action Items

  • Consider listing your property on Airbnb if you are located in the Greater Boston or Rhode Island area to take advantage of the host incentive.
    Effort: low
    Impact: medium

Tools & Resources

  • Providence Hosting 101: Airbnb is holding a free 'Providence Hosting 101' event on March 18.

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