New Online Accommodation Service Connects Like-Minded Guests and Hosts
CAMBRIDGE, ON. (Waterloo Region), March 8, 2016. StayBillety, a startup redefining the online accommodation model by connecting like-minded guests and hosts, announces the launch of their affordable service at Syracuse University’s Blackstone LaunchPad.
Whether traveling to see your favorite band in concert, your favorite team in the playoffs, or searching for off-campus housing, the service builds community by connecting travelers with like-minded hosts.
CEO and Founder, Barbara Jones, had one goal in mind when envisioning StayBillety: to break down the barriers to participation by providing an accommodation service connecting communities. StayBillety invites people with shared interests to join the sharing economy. With StayBillety, hockey moms can host other hockey moms, marathoners may stay with other runners for their next out-of-town race, and University Alumni are able to connect with other alum when traveling. The StayBillety leadership team, through their own sports and arts involvement, has billeted, been billeted and has made life-long friends through communities of interest.
StayBillety offers unique features you won’t find in other online accommodation sites. Along with traditional location search, StayBillety features unique functionality linking guests with affiliated groups, organizations and events. Travelers are able to post accommodation requests tied to such groups, organizations and events. StayBillety builds community by increasing involvement in ‘hometown’ events by engaging both local hosts and visiting guests and each of these parties provides reviews of their experiences. Organizations benefit financially through each affiliate-tagged transaction completed through StayBillety. In addition, StayBillety members select a national charity to receive a percentage of revenue each month.
StayBillety launches with their first affiliate: Run Ottawa.
“We were very happy that StayBillety approached us to be their first customer,” said John Halvorsen, President/Race Director, Run Ottawa. “It’s a perfect fit. As the region’s largest tourism event, we are always looking for innovative ways to improve our out-of-town runners’ experience. StayBillety is not only a cost-effective way for out-of-towners to take part in Race Weekend, but it will be a great way for them to connect with the local families and runners who will welcome them into their homes."
Carolyn Waldo, two-time Canadian Olympic gold medalist is a co-founder who connected with the mission of StayBillety, “I started competing nationally at age 14. My parents made huge sacrifices to travel with me to meets all over the country. Had StayBillety been in business when I was competing, it would have saved my family time and money and we would have expanded our community of supporters and friends,” Carolyn Waldo, 2x Gold Medalist, 1988 Summer Olympic Games.
“It’s exciting to officially launch today - International Women’s Day - as an international start-up led by women. StayBillety is a Waterloo Region-based company celebrating in the U.S. at Syracuse University’s Blackstone Launchpad, at the same time we’re applauding our first official affiliate, the Ottawa Marathon, in Canada’s National Capital It’s all about building community,” Barbara Jones Founder/CEO.
StayBillety collaborators include with the University of Waterloo (REAP Centre), Ryerson University (Housing Dept), Syracuse University (S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications, Whitman School of Management, CASE).
About StayBillety
Founded in May 2015 and based in Cambridge, Ontario (Waterloo Region), StayBillety is an international affordable, online accommodation service connecting like-minded guests and hosts. Celebrating community with its unique affinity-based affiliate model, StayBillety is also a social enterprise whose business supports charitable organizations. With StayBillety, guests traveling for concerts, commencements or competitions connect with enterprising hosts who share their common interests. Click here for press kit and media page. Visit StayBillety’s Facebook and follow @StayBillety #ComeOnIn www.staybillety.com
Billeting, as a term, has its origins in the military. In the past it referred to providing a soldier sleeping quarters in a private home during wartime. Today it is used around the world to represent a form of private lodging.
