Airbnb is offering a $10 million grant for wild rental concepts.

Among the unique listings in Airbnb's new OMG! category are a missile silo and bunker in Roswell, New Mexico, a nostalgic covered wagon in Tennessee for glamping enthusiasts, a yellow submarine in New Zealand perfect for Beatles fans, and a UFO house in the UK for those seeking an extraordinary overnight experience.
Out of 56 new vacation rental categories—part of a program that started last month, including A-frames, tiny homes, and castles—the OMG! listings rank among the most wished-for by users, as noted by Airbnb. Finding an available night can be quite a challenge. However, a new contest will soon increase the number of these quirky vacation spots.
On Wednesday, Airbnb announced the launch of a $10 million “OMG! Fund” aimed at supporting some of the most creative and unconventional property proposals they receive.
According to a press release from the brand, “The OMG! Fund is inviting submissions from current and aspiring designers, architects, DIY enthusiasts, and makers worldwide,” emphasizing that the fund reflects the rising trend of flexible living seen in the past two years. This trend reveals that Airbnb guests desire more surprising accommodations that serve as destinations in their own right.”
According to the company, most hosts create their properties specifically for renting on Airbnb. The press release indicates that the average host in the U.S. generated over $13,800 in revenue in 2021.

Image courtesy of Airbnb
The $10 million fund will grant 100 individuals $100,000 each to develop a quirky Airbnb listing. Interested parties can apply for this financial support at airbnb.com/omgfund, where they'll need to outline their concept, its uniqueness, and their inspiration. Applications are open until July 22, 2022, with finalists to be revealed in the fall.
Applicants aren't required to own an existing property, but they are fully responsible for securing the location, as well as the necessary designers, architects, contractors, permits, and materials. The prize money will be distributed in three installments, with winners receiving one-third of the funds each time they complete a specified design milestone outlined in the official contest rules.
As stated by Airbnb, proposals will be evaluated by a panel of experts based on their originality, feasibility, the guest experience offered by the space, and sustainability. The winners will be selected by a panel that includes Airbnb superhost Kristie Wolfe, known for designing unique OMG! properties like the Potato Hotel, Crystal Peak Lookout, Big Island Treehouse, and the upcoming Shipwreck House; Koichi Takada, founder of Koichi Takada Architects; iconic style figure Iris Apfel; and Bruce Vaughn, Airbnb’s VP of experiential creative product.

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