SANTA MONICA, CA/USA (Thursday, June 2, 2016) - The World Surf League (WSL) has announced a partnership with Airbnb - a leading community-driven hospitality company - as the newest global partner of the WSL's Samsung Galaxy Championship Tour. Today, the WSL and Airbnb unveil a collaboration that offers surfers, fans and travelers the ultimate way to book accommodations around the globe with the launch of "Swell Dwellings." Surf enthusiasts can now book their accommodations at some of the best, most sought-after wave destinations on the planet through Swell Dwellings.
"Our goal with Swell Dwellings is to develop a vibrant global community of surf travelers and shared experiences," said Mark Noonan, Global Chief Commercial Officer of the WSL. "With highly curated content, including local tips from Airbnb Superhosts, and background on some of the most beautiful and exotic surf spots in the world, we hope to enhance surf travelers overall love of the sport and help them connect with the global surf community in a more meaningful way. We are ecstatic to partner with the world's leading accommodations provider, Airbnb, to bring this service to our fans."
To help commemorate the WSL Fiji Pro, the WSL and Airbnb are offering a once-in-a-lifetime experience, providing two lucky travelers the opportunity to stay on their own private island for only $10. Intimately situated on Wadigi Island, this magnificent WSL Fiji Pro villa, listed on Airbnb, is complete with a staff of eight -- including two gourmet chefs, hostess, housekeeper and boat captain. The opportunity to book will open on the first day of the event window, June 4 at 2 p.m. PST (June 5 at 9:00 a.m. Fiji Time). Guests can explore the most idyllic and secluded beaches in the South Pacific, and transportation - via private boat - will be provided to ferry the travelers to Cloudbreak, one of the most iconic waves in the world. Additionally, guests will be provided VIP round-trip helicopter transportation from Nadi Airport to the island, and a wealth of WSL-branded gear and merchandise.
"Travelers use Airbnb to live like a local in cities all around the world. Whether it's just for a night or a week, our passionate host community opens their doors to create experiences for our guests that leave them feeling truly inspired," said Aaron Zifkin, Regional Director of North America Operations at Airbnb. "Now, in partnership with the WSL, we are excited to provide easier access to our hosts and homes on the world's best beaches and private islands."
Through the Swell Dwellings experience, travelers can browse thousands of Airbnb homes that range from humble surf cottages to the most luxurious waterfront properties with hosts that offer neighborhood insights and tips to truly feel like a local. First-time guests of Airbnb will receive a $20 coupon to use toward their first reservation upon booking through Swell Dwellings. In addition to booking a surf vacation, individuals interested in hosting their homes on Swell Dwellings can do so right on the site.
As part of this partnership, Airbnb becomes the global accommodations provider for the World Surf League. Other partners include Samsung Mobile, leading global beer brand Corona, enterprise software company Workday, Jeep Brand automobile, GoPro action cameras and accessories, along with leading lifestyle brands Billabong, Hurley, Quiksilver, Rip Curl and Vans.
About The World Surf League The World Surf League (WSL), formerly the Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP), is dedicated to celebrating the world's best surfing on the world's best waves through a variety of best-in-class audience platforms. The League, headquartered in Santa Monica, is a truly global sport with regional offices in Australasia, Africa, North America, South America, Hawaii, Japan and Europe.
The WSL has been championing the world's best surfing since 1976, running global events across the Samsung Galaxy Men's and Women's Championship Tours, the Big Wave Tour, Qualifying Series, Junior and Longboard Championships, as well as the WSL Big Wave Awards. The League possesses a deep appreciation for the sport's rich heritage while promoting progression, innovation and performance at the highest levels.
Showcasing the world's best surfing on its digital platform at WorldSurfLeague.com as well as the free WSL app, the WSL has a passionate global fan base with millions tuning in to see world-class athletes like Mick Fanning, John John Florence, Stephanie Gilmore, Greg Long, Gabriel Medina, Carissa Moore, Makua Rothman, Kelly Slater, Adriano de Souza and more battle on the most unpredictable and dynamic field of play of any sport in the world.
For more information, please visit WorldSurfLeague.com and www.worldsurfleague.com/swelldwellings.
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 or tablet. 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 191 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.
Contact:
Patty Smith
psmith@worldsurfleague.com
The World Surf League
310-804-2721