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The CouchSurfing Project is a free, Internet-based, international hospitality service, and it is currently the largest hospitality exchange network. The project was commenced in 2003 and formally launched on Jan 1, 2004.

As of October 2008, it had more than 780,000 members in 232 countries and territories. According to their own published statistics, 40% of their members are currently offering their couches to host travellers (with another 22% saying "maybe", and others who are travelling at the moment).. According to Alexa it is currently the most visited hospitality service on the Internet, averaging more than 30 million daily page views in July 2008.

Members use the website to coordinate contacts and home accommodation (or "surf" others' "couches") with other network members around the world. The website allows the creation of extensive profiles, and uses an optional credit card verification system, a personal vouching system, and personal references to increase security and trust between members. The site offers other features such as discussion groups, events and meetings, and live chat.

References

1. http://www.couchsurfing.com/founders.html

External links

• Official website
• CouchSurfing featured on Nightline
• CouchSurfing site for touring bands

• Hospitality services
• Types of tourism