Airbnb launches India’s first Airbnb Entrepreneurship Academy in Goa
Boosting Local Economies: Airbnb Launches India’s First Entrepreneurship Academy in Goa
GOA, INDIA – Airbnb, along with the Department of Tourism, Government of Goa, has launched India’s first-ever Airbnb Entrepreneurship Academy in Goa, empowering locals to turn their spare rooms into profitable ventures. The academy, designed to promote homestay tourism and foster local economic growth, is part of the existing Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Airbnb and the Department of Tourism, Goa.
Breaking Barriers: A New Chapter in Goa’s Tourism Landscape
At the launch event, held in the presence of Shri Rohan Khaunte, Minister for Tourism, Government of Goa, and Amanpreet Bajaj, General Manager, Airbnb India, Southeast Asia, Hong Kong, and Taiwan, the academy was introduced as a significant step towards promoting inclusivity, addressing specific needs, and growth opportunities within Goa’s vibrant tourism landscape.
Empowering Local Communities
The Airbnb Entrepreneurship Academy, located in Goa, is designed to empower participants from diverse and underrepresented communities to venture into the world of hosting on Airbnb. With its first round of training, 25 homestay owners have already been trained through interactive workshops conducted in partnership with Global Himalayan Expedition (GHE) Impact Ventures.
Fostering Regenerative Tourism and Women’s Empowerment
Shri Rohan Khaunte, Hon’ble Minister for Tourism, Government of Goa, emphasized, “For Goa, the homestay segment plays a pivotal role in promoting regenerative tourism, preserving our rich Goan culture, and showcasing our unique hospitality. Women, often the custodians of homestays, stand to gain significantly from various fiscal and non-fiscal incentives under these initiatives.”
A New Era of Tourism Entrepreneurship in Goa
With the launch of the academy, Airbnb and the Department of Tourism, Goa, are paving the way for a thriving and resilient tourism ecosystem in Goa. By empowering local communities and promoting responsible tourism, the homegrown initiative aims to encourage sustainable entrepreneurship, boost rural economies, and showcase Goa’s authentic experiences.
Join the Academy’s Journey: Your Path to Success
The academy’s unique focus on entrepreneurship, experiential learning, and community building is designed to address specific needs and growth opportunities within Goa’s vibrant tourism landscape. Participants don’t need to be current Airbnb hosts; they simply need a passion for improving their hosting skills and connecting with travelers. By joining the academy, you can gain financial independence and contribute to the local economy by turning your spare room into a profit-generating asset.
Meet the Academy’s Leaders: 🙋♀️
Amanpreet Bajaj, General Manager – India, Southeast Asia, Hong Kong, and Taiwan at Airbnb, emphasized, “With the launch of the Airbnb Entrepreneurship Academy in Goa, we’re dedicated to transforming lives through tourism entrepreneurship. This program has been strategically designed to empower local communities with the right education and expertise to help them transform their homes into profitable ventures.”
Unlock Your Potential: Join the Journey
The Airbnb Entrepreneurship Academy in Goa marks a new chapter in the state’s tourism landscape, promoting inclusive growth and sustainable development. By empowering local communities and promoting responsible tourism, Airbnb and the Goa Tourism Department are driving a movement that will leave a lasting impact on the state’s economy and global travel industry