HomeExchange, the world’s largest home-sharing network, has officially launched in India, marking a significant milestone in the evolution of alternative travel accommodations. Headquartered in Paris, HomeExchange is redefining travel by eliminating accommodation costs and fostering an immersive, community-driven experience. With a strategic hub in Delhi NCR, the company aims to integrate 3,000 to 5,000 Indian homes into its global network within the first year.
A revolutionary travel alternative
Unlike traditional accommodations, HomeExchange operates on an annual membership model, allowing travellers to swap homes without any financial transactions. For just INR 7,500 annually, which is actually the lowest membership fee it offers in any other markets it operate, members can access homes in 155 countries, offering a cost-effective solution to rising hotel prices, which have surged by 20-30 per cent in key international destinations.
According to Charles-Edouard Girard, Co-Founder of HomeExchange, “It’s not just where you stay, but how you connect with people and cultures in a transformative way. With over 210,000 members and a new exchange finalized every minute, we offer a verified, members-only community. Plus, with property damage coverage up to USD 1,000,000, Indian travelers can feel confident and secure throughout their journey.”
The model particularly appeals to millennials, Gen Z travellers, and families seeking authentic experiences without the hefty price tag. HomeExchange’s unique GuestPoints system further enhances flexibility, allowing members to earn points by hosting others and redeeming them for stays in homes worldwide.
Why India? A growing market for home swapping
The decision to expand into India comes at a pivotal time. According to industry reports, India’s outbound travel market is projected to reach USD 55.4 billion by 2034, growing at an annual rate of over 11 per cent. Emmanuel Arnaud, CEO of HomeExchange, believes that India’s evolving travel trends align perfectly with the home-swapping model.
“The Indian travel market is evolving. Travellers no longer just seek vacations—they want meaningful, immersive experiences. With HomeExchange, we’re democratizing travel while building a global community based on trust rather than transactions. India is a critical market for us, and we believe it will become one of our top five global markets in the coming years,” Arnaud stated in a exclusive interaction with ETTravelWorld.
HomeExchange aims to attract India’s young and experience-driven travellers, with over 65 per cent of the population under 35. Studies indicate that 72 per cent of Gen Z travellers prefer “living like a local” over traditional hotel stays. This shift in preference, combined with the growing acceptance of shared economy models, makes India an ideal market for home swapping.
Strategic expansion and future goals
To establish its footprint in India, HomeExchange has set up operations in Delhi NCR, focusing on community engagement, local partnerships, and awareness-building campaigns. Over the next five years, the company aims to build a thriving community of 20,000 to 30,000 members in India, embedding home-swapping into the country’s mainstream travel culture.
“We are integrating 3,000–5,000 homes in key cities such as Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, and Delhi NCR, along with popular tourist destinations like Goa, Jaipur, and Shimla. These locations provide the right mix of domestic and international travellers, making them ideal launch points,” Arnaud added.
Beyond expansion, HomeExchange is exploring collaborations with state tourism boards and eco-tourism initiatives to align with India’s growing emphasis on sustainable travel. As a B Corp-certified company, HomeExchange promotes responsible tourism by leveraging existing homes instead of contributing to large-scale commercial accommodations, reducing the environmental footprint while supporting local economies.
Educating Indian travelers on home-swapping
One of HomeExchange’s key challenges in India is educating travellers about the benefits and security of home swapping. The company plans to collaborate with travel influencers, eco-tourism advocates, and content creators to amplify awareness and build trust.
“Educating the Indian market about home-swapping is a priority. Our approach centres on sharing authentic stories from our global community. These narratives showcase the security, flexibility, and enriching experiences that home-swapping offers, helping to build trust and awareness,” Arnaud explained.
By mirroring the success of home-swapping in countries like France and the US, where it has become a mainstream travel choice, HomeExchange aims to create a similar adoption trajectory in India.
A long-term vision for India
With its entry into India, HomeExchange has long-term aspirations to make the country one of its top three global markets. Recognizing India’s travel potential, the company is committed to fostering a home-swapping culture emphasising affordability, flexibility, and meaningful travel experiences.
“India is primed for a travel revolution—one where home-swapping can unlock unprecedented travel freedom. No other platform offers the same combination of affordability, trust, and flexibility, making HomeExchange a game-changer for Indian travellers looking to explore the world on their terms,” Arnaud concluded.
Discover more from Latest News Today
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
