Goa, December 5, 2024 – 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, Airbnb is pleased to announce the opening of India’s first-ever Airbnb Entrepreneurship Academy in Goa as part of their ongoing partnership with the Department of Tourism, Government of Goa.This historic project was started as part of the current Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Airbnb and the Goan Department of Tourism (DoT) to encourage homestay travel and develop the skills of hospitality entrepreneurs in the state’s rural and urban areas.
By educating members of marginalized and diverse communities about Airbnb hosting, the Airbnb Entrepreneurship Academy seeks to advance inclusivity. By giving them the resources and pertinent information they need to start their hosting journey, this program aims to empower participants. To date, 25 homestay operators have received training from the academy, which is a collaboration between Airbnb and the Department of Tourism (DoT), Goa, through engaging workshops. with Global Himalayan Expedition (GHE) Impact Ventures. The first round of workshops was held in Miramar Residency for participants from North Goa. The next round of trainings will be conducted in Madgaon, targeting another 25 trainees from South Goa.
Shri Rohan Khaunte, Hon’ble Minister for Tourism, Government of Goa, stated,“For Goa, the homestay segment plays a pivotal role in promoting regenerative tourism by preserving our rich Goan culture with renowned Goan hospitality. Our homestay policy, particularly designed to benefit rural Goa, aligns seamlessly with our Goa Beyond Beaches vision. Women, often the custodians of homestays, stand to gain significantly through various fiscal and non-fiscal incentives under these initiatives.
Building on our MoU with Airbnb, we are delighted to welcome the launch of the Airbnb Entrepreneurship Academy in Goa. This initiative presents an excellent opportunity for Goa to leverage its unique cultural and natural assets while empowering local communities. By equipping residents with the skills to operate homestays, we are not only fostering economic growth but also advancing regenerative tourism and women’s empowerment. This program will enable us to showcase Goa’s diverse and authentic experiences, inspiring visitors to explore beyond conventional tourist hotspots and embrace responsible, inclusive travel.”
Shri. Suneel Anchipaka, Director, Department of Tourism, Government of Goa added, “The Airbnb Entrepreneurship Academy is a significant step towards empowering Goan communities through tourism entrepreneurship. By equipping locals with essential skills, this initiative aligns perfectly with our vision of fostering inclusive growth and showcasing Goa’s authentic experiences to the world.”
The academy’s curriculum emphasizes entrepreneurship, experiential learning, and community building, with a unique focus on addressing specific needs and growth opportunities within Goa’s vibrant tourism landscape. Participants don’t necessarily need to be Airbnb hosts, they need to simply share a passion for improving their hosting skills and authentically connecting with travelers. By joining the Academy, participants can gain financial independence and contribute to the local economy by turning spare rooms in their homes or properties into income-generating assets.
Amanpreet Bajaj, General Manager – India, Southeast Asia, Hong Kong, and Taiwan at Airbnb, said, “With the launch of the Airbnb Entrepreneurship Academy in Goa, we are dedicated to transforming lives through tourism entrepreneurship. This program has been strategically designed and carefully curated to empower local communities with the right education and expertise to help them transform their homes into profitable ventures. With the launch of the Academy, we are committed to cultivating a vibrant local tourism economy that benefits everyone, creating sustainable opportunities for the participants while enhancing the overall guest experience in Goa.”
The Airbnb Entrepreneurship Academy’s launch marks a new chapter in Goa’s tourism landscape, promoting inclusive growth and sustainable development. By empowering local communities and promoting responsible tourism, Airbnb and the Goa Tourism Department are paving the way for a thriving and resilient tourism ecosystem in Goa.
