Travel Company Holds Meet-Up about Papal Visit

PHILADELPHIA (WTXF) Many attended an Air B-N-B meeting Thursday night in Center City are hoping to attract visitors willing to pay big for a place to stay.

"Yes I hope so. I haven't had anyone request about the Pope yet so that's what I'm waiting for," said 25-year old Kamara Abdur-Rahim. She's a member of Air B-N-B. It's a company that helps people rent their homes to those visiting the City of Brotherly Love. She's been doing it for two months.

"A lot of people come for events. I have people come for concerts in Philadelphia and I have people come for conferences," said Abdur-Rahim.

But with the Papal visit about a month away she and others attending an Air B-N-B meeting Thursday night in Center City are hoping to attract visitors willing to pay big for a place to stay. People like Fara Fazi who is a Drexel student.

"Since we're a student we're hoping to find some extra cash," she said.

Officials say the demand for rentals is 8 times greater than normal with the Pope visit coming up.

Whitney Denehy used Air B-N-B when she studied abroad years ago and needed a place to stay. Now she's planning to be a host for several huge events happening in Philly.

"I was thinking more about the Papal visit that everybody's crazy about and Made In America and the DNC. Even when I'm traveling to see family and my house is available it could be a cool opportunity," said Denehy.