Airbnb appoints Aaron Zifkin as Country Manager for Canada

Airbnb set to host star-gazers from across Canada and around the globe during the Toronto International Film Festival

TORONTO, Sept. 4, 2014 /CNW/ - Airbnb, the world's leading community-driven hospitality company, is pleased to announce today the appointment of Aaron Zifkin as Country Manager for Canada. Aaron has more than 10 years of experience working in a range of leadership roles, most recently as Senior Vice President of Global Business Development for Artez Interactive, a leading provider of web, mobile and social charitable fundraising solutions. Zifkin previously co-founded the Kawartha Lakes Ski School in 2001 and served as an advisor to Hubba.com.  Zifkin brings a track record for entrepreneurship, engagement, and fostering communities to the Country Manager role.

As Country Manager for Canada, one of Aaron's first priorities will be to continue growing awareness of Airbnb among Canadians while supporting the existing local Airbnb community, ensuring the company is providing Canadian users with unique travel experiences within the country and around the world.

"Our goal in Canada is to create and support a thriving community for hosts and guests, enabling unique and meaningful travel experiences like never before," said Aaron Zifkin, Country Manager - Canada, Airbnb.  "The Canadian Airbnb community is already one of the largest and most passionate in the world and we believe there are ample opportunities to help it continue to grow as the favourite option for domestic and international travellers."

"We know Canadians love to travel, both domestically and abroad, and Airbnb is well positioned to serve this community with friendly Canadian hospitality," said Varsha Rao, head of Global Operations at Airbnb.  "Aaron's experience and proven track record of building businesses and communities are tremendous assets he brings to the Airbnb team."

Airbnb is experiencing hyper growth in Canada with the number of Canadian listings on the platform exceeding 18,000.

Airbnb set to host star-gazers from across Canada and around the globe during the Toronto International Film Festival

Airbnb is proud to be a sponsor and a festival accommodation partner of the 2014 Toronto International Film Festival. The Festival provides a tremendous opportunity for Torontonians to serve as Airbnb hosts and connect with film fans from around the globe as they visit the city.

"TIFF is annually one of busiest times of the year for both the city and Airbnb hosts based in Toronto." said Zifkin. "We are proud to partner with The Festival and support the film community in Toronto and across Canada."

Throughout the festival, Toronto-based Airbnb hosts will greet guests from over 50 countries around the globe.

About Airbnb
Founded in August of 2008 and based in San Francisco, California, Airbnb is a trusted community marketplace for people to list, discover, and book unique accommodations around the world – online or from a mobile phone. Whether an apartment for a night, a castle for a week, or a villa for a month, Airbnb connects people to unique travel experiences at any price point, in more than 34,000 cities and 190 countries. And with world-class customer service and a growing community of users, Airbnb is the easiest way for people to monetize their extra space and showcase it to an audience of millions.

SOURCE: Airbnb

Rob Hogan, North Strategic on behalf of Airbnb, [email protected], [phone]