Airbnb Scores Shrewd Sponsorship Deal

Amid significant opposition from the hotel industry and a slew of recent subpoenas from New York state Attorney General Eric Schneiderman, Airbnb has decided to take its case to the streets. Literally. The wildly popular accomodations sharing website has struck a shrewd deal to be a sponsor of this year's New York City Marathon, in what is the most significant deal yet in a fast growing category, travel apps.

Marathon officials say that the deal will not conflict with the hotel category as Airbnb will be known as an official community hospitality partner.

“We see the Airbnb partnership not as a replacement to hotels, but rather an alternative for runners and their guests,” says NYRR spokesman Chris Weiller. “The running community is a leading community within Airbnb. That’s why it makes so much sense for us.”

Still partnering with one of the world's largest marathons has to be considered a coup for the sharing economy, particularly since an influx of runners and spectators typically snap up an estimated $65 million worth of hotel rooms each year. Airbnb has set-up a dedicated NYC Marathon page here.