At the Africa Travel Summit, Airbnb pledged $500,000 for sustainable tourism, unveiled in Johannesburg, as the Africa Pledge initiative. Over two years, we’ll aid African governments and tourism groups to explore new potentials, support hosts and communities, and boost investments.
Airbnb’s 2022 Impact Report shows a R23.5 billion boost to South Africa’s economy, supporting nearly 50,000 jobs. This marked a significant increase from its 2019 contributions, emphasizing Airbnb’s expanding role in fostering inclusive tourism. Insights and successes from South Africa will guide Airbnb’s strategies to promote sustainable tourism in other rapidly evolving African nations.
The Africa Pledge emphasizes various key areas of development:
Investment in Tourism Ecosystem: Airbnb plans to allocate $500,000 to non-profits in Africa focusing on economic development, digital inclusivity, and sustainability.
Unlocking Tourism Opportunities: Airbnb aims to release a white paper in 2024, assisting African nations in identifying comprehensive tourism and policy opportunities for sustainable growth. Furthermore, ten additional African countries will gain access to Airbnb’s City Portal, enhancing local tourism insights and opportunities.
Empowering Entrepreneurs: Airbnb will extend its Entrepreneurship Academy to five more countries, promoting tourism entrepreneurship among diverse communities.
Support for Hosts, Guests, and Communities: Collaborating with marketing agencies, Airbnb plans to create guides for hosts and guests, enhancing the overall visitor experience and promoting responsible tourism.
Empowering Entrepreneurs: Airbnb will extend its Entrepreneurship Academy to five more countries, promoting tourism entrepreneurship among diverse communities.
Velma Corcoran, Airbnb’s Regional Lead for the Middle East and Africa, expressed the company’s dedication towards cultivating a diversified, inclusive, and sustainable tourism industry in Africa. Airbnb anticipates collaborating with various sectors, including governments and non-profits, to make tourism more accessible, secure, and affordable, while prioritizing diversity and inclusivity.
To engage in this initiative, organizations and governments can contact Airbnb to foster inclusive and sustainable tourism in Africa.
