Airbnb has launched in South Africa and plans are afoot to grow the online hospitality company around the continent. South Africa is Airbnb's largest market and that is why CEO Brian Chesky came here to launch the Airbnb platform.

"South Africa is an incredibly beautiful and diverse country, with so much to offer visitors," said Chesky of the country that has been most receptive to Airbnb throughout the continent.

Airbnb numbers show that South Africa is its largest market in Africa with 9,400 homes listed on the platform. The company also detailed in a press release how South Africa has become an ever popular global destination as evidenced by what it says has been a 257% increasing in the number of people staying in places booked through Airbnb.

The number of South Africans using Airbnb to travel has also shot up 163% according to Airbnb, with Cape Town and Johannesburg featuring among five of the largest markets on the continent.

Chesky also announced that Nicola D'Elia is taking on the role of General Manager for Airbnb in Africa and the Middle East. Airbnb is looking to leverage D'Elia's experience as former growth manager for Facebook in its bid to gain popularity among lodgers in Africa and the Middle East.