Paris-based home-sharing network HomeExchange has officially launched in India, introducing an innovative and cost-effective way for Indian travelers to explore destinations globally. With an ambitious goal of integrating up to 5,000 Indian homes into its network within the first year, HomeExchange is set to revolutionize the travel landscape by offering an annual membership fee of just ₹7,500, the lowest worldwide.
A New Era of Travel in India
With a rapidly growing outbound travel market projected to reach $55.4 billion by 2034, India presents a prime opportunity for HomeExchange’s expansion. Unlike traditional accommodations, the platform enables members to swap homes without financial transactions, making travel more accessible, sustainable, and immersive.
Talking about the new development, Charles-Edouard Girard, Co-Founder of HomeExchange, said: “We’re thrilled to bring HomeExchange to India, a market that values authenticity and affordability in travel,” “It’s not just about where you stay, but how you connect with people and cultures in a transformative way.”
The company’s expansion in India will occur in two phases. Phase one would be targeting outbound travelers from metro cities such as Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, and Delhi NCR. Phase two would be establishing a presence in key tourist destinations like Goa, Jaipur, and Shimla, attracting inbound travelers.
Safe, Flexible, and Affordable Home Swapping
HomeExchange boasts a community of 210,000 members across 155 countries, with a new exchange occurring every minute. To ensure trust and security, the platform offers a verified, members-only experience with property damage coverage of up to $1,000,000, giving Indian travelers peace of mind.
“Our model isn’t just about cost savings; it’s about offering travelers a richer, more localized experience,” said Emmanuel Arnaud, CEO of HomeExchange. “By democratizing travel and fostering a community built on trust, we see India emerging as one of our top five global markets within the next five years.”
Making Global Travel More Accessible
HomeExchange’s unique GuestPoints system allows members to earn points by hosting travelers in their homes. These points can then be used to book stays in other members’ homes worldwide—eliminating accommodation costs while fostering a global network of trusted travelers. As hotel prices in international destinations continue to rise by 20-30% annually, HomeExchange offers an affordable and flexible alternative. For a flat ₹7,500 annual fee, Indian members can enjoy home exchanges without the need to host first, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious travelers, frequent explorers, and families seeking more comfortable stays.
To manage its Indian operations, HomeExchange will establish a dedicated hub in Delhi NCR, overseeing community engagement, partnerships with tourism boards, and collaborations with sustainability-focused organizations. With a vision to reshape how Indians travel, HomeExchange is poised to become a game-changer, offering a cost-effective, immersive, and community-driven alternative to conventional accommodations. As more travelers seek deeper cultural connections, this launch marks the beginning of a transformational shift in India’s travel industry.
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