Over the next two years, the Africa Pledge aims to assist African governments and tourism organizations in identifying and capitalizing on new tourism opportunities, providing support to Airbnb hosts and their communities, empowering the next generation of tourism entrepreneurs, and encouraging investment in the tourism ecosystem.
This initiative follows the release of an Economic Impact Report revealing that Airbnb contributed over R23.5 billion to the South African economy in 2022, supporting nearly 50,000 jobs. Airbnb’s commitment to inclusive tourism in South Africa will serve as a foundation for expanding similar efforts in other rapidly growing African countries.
The Africa Pledge includes the following key components:
- Investment in the Tourism Ecosystem: Airbnb will allocate USD $500,000 to non-profit organizations in Africa that promote economic empowerment, digital access, and sustainability. Grants will be awarded in collaboration with local stakeholders and distributed through the Airbnb Community Fund.
- Identifying and Unlocking Tourism Opportunities: In 2024, Airbnb plans to publish an Inclusive Tourism Growth White Paper to assist African countries in identifying tourism opportunities and policies that promote inclusive and sustainable tourism.
- Support for Hosts, Guests, and Communities: Airbnb will collaborate with destination marketing organizations to create local Host and guest Guides, enhancing the visitor experience and promoting responsible guest behavior.
- Empowering the Next Generation of Tourism Entrepreneurs: The Airbnb Entrepreneurship Academy, an entrepreneurship development program that introduces individuals from diverse and underrepresented communities to hosting on the Airbnb platform, will expand to five new African countries over the next two years.
Airbnb is dedicated to fostering a sustainable, diverse, and inclusive tourism industry in Africa. The Africa Pledge demonstrates its commitment to public and private sector partnerships in achieving these goals. Governments, destination marketing organizations, and non-profit organizations interested in participating in the pledge can contact Airbnb directly at africa-pledge@airbnb.com.
Source: Africa.com