Despite the company's controversial status in some major metropolises, there's no denying the popularity of Airbnb.
In 2015, more than 40 million people used the home rental service in 190 countries, according to the company. And they stayed in towns and neighborhoods in those countries that are not always typically considered by tourists. To kick off 2016, the company has announced the neighborhoods that saw the most growth in bookings in the past year.
"Most guests on Airbnb stay outside of traditional downtown districts," the company said in a statement. "They are looking to become immersed in neighborhoods and live like a local."
A few common themes emerged across the neighborhoods that have seen the most growth: Places with street art were popular, as well as neighborhoods with great food, outdoor experiences and shopping. Here are the most popular places around the globe heading into 2016, based on the percentage growth in interest for Airbnb bookings.
1. Chūō-ku in Osaka, Japan
Chūō-ku is home to Osaka's financial, shopping and tourist districts, and saw an astounding 7,471% growth.
2. Banglampoo in Bangkok, Thailand
Banglampoo had 1,239% growth.
3. Brickfields in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Brickfields is home to the Little India neighborhood of Kuala Lumpur. It saw 1,231% growth on Airbnb.
4. Capucins in Bordeaux, France
This neighborhood had 966% growth.
5. Koukaki in Athens, Greece
South of the Acropolis and Mount Filopapou, Koukaki has become a popular spot in the past year. The neighborhood had 801% growth.
6. Triana in Seville, Spain
Located on the bank of the Guadalquivir River, the neighborhood of Triana saw 774% growth in the past year.
7. Hammerbrook in Hamburg, Germany
Hammerbrook saw 418% growth.
8. Kāneʻohe on Oahu, Hawaii, United States
Kāneʻohe, which means "bamboo man" in the Hawaiian language, saw 324% growth.
9. Meireles in Fortaleza, Brazil
Meireles has a great beach, and saw 287% growth.
10. Roma Sur in Mexico City, Mexico
Roma Sur saw 279% growth.
11. Oak Lawn in Dallas, Texas, United States
Oak Lawn, a wealthy suburb of Dallas, saw 264% growth.
12. Poncey-Highland in Atlanta, Georgia, United States
Poncey-Highland saw 242% growth.
13. District VII in Budapest, Hungary
Budapest's former Jewish Quarter saw 148% growth.
14. The Bukit Peninsula, Bali
This beautiful Indonesian destination had 134% growth.
15. Richmond in Melbourne, Australia
Richmond is a suburb of Melbourne that has earned the nickname "The Island," because it's known to have everything someone could need -- there's no reason to leave it. The area saw 126% growth.
16. Constitución in Buenos Aires, Argentina
The barrio of Constitución is rougher and less visually appealing than some of its neighboring neighborhoods, like San Telmo and San Cristóbal, but it saw 125% growth.
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