Using the SnapScan app, locals and visitors alike can buy goods and services in 20+ Jozi businesses, chosen and recommended by local hosts on Airbnb. People using SnapScan in these locations will earn cashback vouchers called ‘Jozibucks’, which can then be ‘spent’ in the shops until the end of May, driving additional revenue for the local businesses. The vouchers are funded by Airbnb.
The Support Jozi Shop Local initiative aims to encourage an inclusive recovery of the sector, by providing a platform to showcase small local businesses and their products.
Featured Jozi businesses include coffee shops, eateries and hair salons, including The Bioscope and Salvation Cafe in Millpark, Home of the Bean in Jeppestown, Victoria Yards in Lorentzville and Wild Hair in Parkhurst.
SnapScan is a contactless mobile payment solution that makes it easy and safe to pay and receive payments in a store, online, at home, and on the go.
Velma Corcoran, Middle East and Africa regional lead for Airbnb said: "Airbnb’s community is known for its passion for spending and supporting local small businesses, and as many guests on Airbnb will know, it’s often their hosts who have the best local recommendations. Initiatives like this help drive local recovery in South Africa, while providing an economic lifeline for local families, small businesses and communities.
"We know local businesses are struggling right now, so together with local Hosts, we want to highlight them and give them the praise they deserve, and encourage everyone to support their community, and shop local."
As part of the Support Jozi campaign, Airbnb has also released a map and guide, in partnership with South African Tourism, IAMJoburg, Curiocity and Gauteng Tourism Authority, which showcases a variety of small businesses including the more than 20 where locals and visitors can spend and save using the SnapScan app.
A Jozibucks pin on the map and in-store shows locals and visitors alike where they can spend and save.
Chris Zeitsman, CEO of SnapScan: "At SnapScan, we can see first hand the impact the pandemic has had on small businesses across South Africa. The Airbnb Support Jozi initiative not only shines a light on hardworking small business owners, but will also generate real economic impact that directly supports recovery in local communities."
Hosts on Airbnb and small businesses alike have spoken out about the importance of shopping locally as a result of the pandemic. Michelle, owner of The Perfect Cup and a host on Airbnb, says: "When Hosts on Airbnb recommend small businesses like mine to guests, it really helps everyone thrive! Before Covid-19 I realised there had been an influx of people coming to my coffee shop. I wasn’t sure who was recommending the guests so I asked one of the customers. Turns out they were staying in a home on Airbnb - their hosts told them about my coffee store."
For more information on Support Jozi, Shop Local, visit airbnb.co.za/d/supportjozi and watch out for the Jozibucks pin on the map and in-store. For more information about the applicable terms to the cashback vouchers managed by Snapscan please check here.
