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

Key Takeaways

• Airbnb is investing $250,000 in Rhode Island through Ocean State 2026—our largest investment in the Rhode Island community to date.
  
  
• Eligible new hosts in the Greater Boston and Rhode Island region can earn $750 USD by welcoming their first guests ahead of the FIFA World Cup 26™, and to help prospective hosts prepare, Airbnb is hosting a free “Providence Hosting 101” event on March 18.
  
  
• Airbnb is projected to generate $189 million in economic activity across Greater Boston and Rhode Island during the tournament, creating new income opportunities for residents and small businesses.
  
  

As the world arrives on Rhode Island’s doorstep for the FIFA World Cup 26™, Airbnb is proud to announce a contribution of $250,000 to Ocean State 2026, the state’s official tournament organizer, through the Airbnb Host City Impact Program. This marks the company’s largest-ever investment in the Rhode Island community. The contribution supports the Rhode Island Summer of Soccer featuring family and youth soccer clinics, community celebrations, and cultural programming designed to bring residents together and leave a lasting legacy beyond the tournament.

“The international soccer matches in Massachusetts will bring visitors from around the world to Rhode Island. Airbnb’s support will ensure more soccer, fun, and more excitement and more educational opportunities for our residents and visitors alike.”

Ocean State 2026 Executive Director Liz Tanner

To help communities prepare for and benefit from rising travel demand, Airbnb has launched its largest new host incentive tied to the FIFA World Cup 26™. Eligible new hosts in the Greater Boston and Rhode Island region can earn $750 USD by welcoming their first guests between now and July 31, 2026,¹ making it easier for everyday homeowners to participate in the economic opportunity created by the tournament. Early signals show travel interest is already building, with searches for Airbnb stays in Host Cities increasing by up to 80 percent year-over-year.²

Airbnb is also holding a free “Providence Hosting 101” event on March 18 for anyone interested in getting started. Residents can sign up to participate here. The in-person event will provide guidance on preparing homes, welcoming guests, and championing their communities during this once-in-a-generation global event.

“Rhode Islanders will play an important role in welcoming the world in just a few short months, and making sure communities across the state share in the success of the games is a top priority. We’re excited to host ‘Providence Hosting 101’ and give residents the tools to participate, earn income, and be part of this historic moment—while also helping drive economic activity that supports local small businesses and generates revenue for the state.”

Airbnb New England Public Policy Manager Britte McBride

According to Deloitte, 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 by listing their homes on Airbnb during the event.³ 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, creating new income opportunities for local hosts and small businesses while driving visitor spending at local restaurants, shops, and attractions.

Airbnb—an official FIFA World Cup 26™ Tournament Supporter—is partnering with FIFA across three tournaments to help deliver unforgettable travel experiences for fans while creating economic opportunities for local communities. Through the partnership, Airbnb is working to ensure guests can stay in local neighborhoods, hosts can benefit from increased travel demand, and regions surrounding match venues can share in the tournament’s economic impact.

Across the Greater Boston and Rhode Island region, demand for accommodations far outpaces the number of available hotel rooms, as the FIFA World Cup 26™ is expected to drive a surge in global travel.⁴ Through the Airbnb Host City Impact Program, Airbnb is investing in local partnerships, host incentives, and community programming to help local communities prepare to meet this once-in-a-generation moment. With this latest investment in Rhode Island Summer of Soccer, Airbnb’s goal is to drive inclusive economic impact that extends beyond the tournament.

¹ More information on the new host incentive, including details on eligibility, is available at www.airbnb.com/e/fifa-new-host.

² Based on Airbnb internal data of searches made for trips taking place in World Cup host cities around specific match dates during June 11 – July 19, 2026 (as of Q4 2025), compared to June 11 – July 19, 2025 (as of Q4 2024).

³ Deloitte study commissioned by Airbnb. Based upon an estimated $16M total host earnings and the projected total guest demand and listing availability during the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Boston and the surrounding areas. Actual earnings will depend on several factors, including availability, price, and the demand in each host city.

⁴Jeremy Bernfeld, “Rhode Island is preparing for as many as a million tourists during this summer’s World Cup”, Ocean State Media, December 23, 2025.