Airbnb — an online marketplace for short-term and long-term homestays — has partnered with the Department of Tourism in Goa to launch India’s first Airbnb Entrepreneurship Academy in the state.
The initiative was launched as a part of the existing Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Airbnb and the Department of Tourism (DoT), Goa, to promote homestay tourism and build capacity among hospitality entrepreneurs across urban and rural areas in the state.
“The Airbnb Entrepreneurship Academy aims to promote inclusivity by introducing individuals from diverse and underrepresented communities to the world of hosting on Airbnb. This initiative is designed to empower participants by providing them with the tools and relevant knowledge to begin their hosting journey,” an official news release read.
So far, 25 homestay owners have received training through the academy. Trainings were imparted through interactive workshops conducted in partnership 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.
Rohan Khaunte, Goa’s Tourism Minister, said the homestay segment plays a pivotal role in promoting regenerative tourism by preserving the 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,” the lawmaker said.
“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,” the minister added.
Suneel Anchipaka, Director of DoT in Goa, hailed the opening of the academy as 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,” Anchipaka said.
The academy’s curriculum emphasises 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,” the news release added.
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,” Bajaj added.
