Building a more inclusive tourism ecosystem is at the heart of Airbnb’s vision: Amanpreet Bajaj – ET TravelWorld

In a significant move to bolster local tourism and create micro-entrepreneurial opportunities, Airbnb has launched India’s first-ever Airbnb Entrepreneurship Academy in Goa. The initiative is a pioneering effort to empower underserved communities by integrating them into the tourism economy. With a robust focus on capacity building, digital skill development, and community-led growth, the academy reflects Airbnb’s commitment to promoting inclusive and sustainable tourism.

Goa’s tourism landscape: A thriving ecosystem
Goa continues to be a magnet for domestic and international travellers alike, as evidenced by a 20 per cent year-on-year growth in nights booked between Q1 and Q3 of 2024. Millennials and Gen Z are driving this surge, with group and couple travel emerging as dominant preferences. As the most-booked destination for inbound travellers, Goa stands as a testament to the evolving aspirations of global tourists seeking cultural heritage, wellness retreats, and diverse local experiences beyond the typical beach and nightlife offerings.

Airbnb’s focus on Goa aligns with these trends. In 2022, the company signed an MoU with the Department of Tourism in Goa to promote the state’s hinterlands and enhance the homestay ecosystem.

“Our ethos is to create micro-entrepreneurial opportunities in underserved areas, ensuring that communities not traditionally benefiting from the tourism economy now have access to it,” said Amanpreet Bajaj, General Manager for Airbnb India, Southeast Asia, Hong Kong, and Taiwan in an exclusive conversation with ET TravelWorld.

Key highlights
The academy’s inaugural session in Goa trained 50 participants over four days. This cohort included homestay entrepreneurs, students, and hospitality professionals. The workshops covered a wide array of topics, including hospitality skills, digital marketing, and leveraging technology to enhance visibility and guest experiences.

“The academy is about upskilling and resourcing. It’s designed to equip participants with the tools they need to become host entrepreneurs while fostering a sense of community where best practices are shared,” said Bajaj. Globally, Airbnb has certified over 4,500 participants through similar academies across 12 countries, and the Goa initiative marks the 51st batch in this program.

The partnership with organisations like GHE Impact and the Goa Department of Tourism underscores Airbnb’s holistic approach. Beyond training, the academy aims to stimulate the micro-economy by driving tourist spending to local businesses, artisans, and service providers. “When tourists stay in unique neighbourhoods, the economic upliftment is multifold—from restaurants to grocery stores to local artisans,” Bajaj explained.

Future roadmap: Expanding the impact
Airbnb has ambitious plans to scale this initiative to other states, starting with Uttarakhand. “We would like to replicate this model in every state across India. Uttarakhand is already in discussions, and we hope to take this forward soon,” Bajaj shared.

The company’s broader strategy for India reflects the country’s position as one of its fastest-growing markets. From Q1 to Q3 in 2024, nights booked by Indian guests rose by 30 per cent year-on-year. Airbnb’s diverse offerings cater to the growing demand for experiential travel led by millennials and Gen Z.

Goa beyond beaches: A vision for sustainable tourism
Aligned with Goa’s efforts to showcase its serene hinterlands and rich heritage, Airbnb’s initiatives extend beyond traditional tourism hotspots. The company’s campaigns, such as the Bollywood Wellness Retreat with Sara Ali Khan and the Rediscover Goa initiative, emphasise the state’s wellness and cultural appeal.

As Bajaj remarked, “The Department of Tourism has been instrumental in promoting Goa’s hinterlands. Our role as a global platform is to complement these efforts, leveraging our presence in 220+ countries to bring diverse tourists to the state.”

Strengthening the ecosystem
Airbnb’s relationship with the Goa government is marked by a collaborative approach. From capacity-building workshops in rural areas to policy recommendations, the partnership aims to strengthen the tourism ecosystem while ensuring inclusivity. “We will continue to share best practices and data insights to enable inclusive growth, ensuring that communities traditionally excluded from the tourism economy can benefit,” Bajaj noted.

The launch of the Airbnb Entrepreneurship Academy in Goa is a milestone in promoting sustainable tourism, empowering local communities, and redefining the travel landscape in India. With plans to expand this model across the country, Airbnb is poised to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of tourism.