IN a move to foster inclusive and sustainable tourism in Africa, Airbnb has pledged $500,000 over the next two years. This commitment is set to aid governments and tourism organisations in identifying fresh opportunities, supporting hosts and guests, empowering entrepreneurs, and nurturing investment in the tourism ecosystem.
The announcement of this pledge took place during the just-ended Africa Travel Summit, coinciding with the launch of the Economic Impact Report. The report, which highlights Airbnb’s substantial contribution to the South African economy in 2022, revealed a staggering 23.5bn rand (more than $1.2bn).
Fostering an inclusive tourism economy
Velma Corcoran, the regional lead of Middle East Africa at Airbnb, emphasised the significance of this pledge, saying, ‘This pledge is an important demonstration of Airbnb’s continued commitment to a truly sustainable, diverse, and inclusive tourism industry – a travel economy for all. We believe in the power of public and private sector partnerships to support this important work, and we look forward to working together with governments, non-profits, and tourism organisations across Africa to make travel and hosting more accessible, safe, diverse, and affordable for everyone.’
The Africa Pledge: Airbnb’s multifaceted approach
Through the Africa Pledge, Airbnb will play a pivotal role in several key areas:
- Investment in the tourism ecosystem
Airbnb is set to support economic empowerment, digital access, and sustainability in the region. Collaborating with local stakeholders, the company will identify organisations eligible for awards, with grants distributed through its community fund.
- Identifying and unlocking tourism opportunities
In 2024, Airbnb will release an Inclusive Tourism Growth White Paper to assist African countries in recognising opportunities across tourism and policy, promoting inclusive and sustainable tourism across the continent. Additionally, Airbnb will extend access to its city portal, a resource tailored for local governments and tourism organisations, to an additional 10 African countries. This portal will provide data, insights, and tools to enhance understanding of the Airbnb landscape in local communities and unlock tourism potential.
- Supporting hosts, guests, and communities
In partnership with destination marketing organisations, Airbnb will develop local host and guest guides. These guides will help hosts enhance the visitor experience and encourage guests to be responsible travellers.
- Empowering the next generation of tourism entrepreneurs
Expanding its entrepreneurship academy to five new countries in the next two years, Airbnb will introduce individuals from diverse and underrepresented communities to hosting on its platform. Currently available in South Africa and Kenya, the academy is an entrepreneurship development program conducted in collaboration with local community partners.
Joining the Pledge
Governments, destination marketing organisations, and non-profit entities interested in participating in this transformative pledge are encouraged to reach out to Airbnb. This initiative signifies Airbnb’s commitment to advancing inclusive and sustainable tourism in Africa, promoting economic growth, and empowering local communities across the region.