Emerging Markets, Services Growth & Opportunity for Hosts

Emerging markets, including many in Africa, Asia, and Latin America, are gaining significance in the global economy. They are evolving from solely manufacturing hubs to more varied economic frameworks. According to the IMF, growth spillovers from G20 emerging markets are now on par with those from advanced economies. imf.org

Services are central to this transformation. A study indicates that in emerging markets, the services sector contributes to growth, not only through low-value labor but increasingly through higher-value services. ersj.eu

For your platform: If you operate in South Africa (or look across Africa), this highlights a significant opportunity. With a rising middle class, more travelers, increased demand for home-stays, and local hosts capable of providing unique services, the local home-stay and service model aligns perfectly with this shift.

From a practical perspective: identify the service gap in your area. Is it reliable cleaning, guest transport, local food service, or language and local culture support? Incorporate that into your host value proposition.

In summary: emerging markets are not merely "cheap labor" zones; they are areas of service economy growth. Aligning your business with this trend positions you well for scaling and achieving sustainable relevance.