In 2023, Airbnb saw a significant increase in the diversity of travel destinations, with guests exploring over 100,000 cities and towns across more than 200 countries and regions. This dispersion of travel not only allows guests to discover new and unique locations but also provides economic benefits to local communities through home sharing. In the United States alone, hosts earned more than $24 billion in supplemental income in 2023, helping them to meet financial needs, save for the future, and support their households.
To further extend the positive impact of tourism on communities worldwide, Airbnb launched the Entrepreneurship Academy in 2017. This initiative aims to introduce individuals from diverse and historically underrepresented backgrounds to the concept of hosting on the Airbnb platform. Through tailored education programs developed in collaboration with local organizations, participants learn how to leverage their spare rooms or properties to generate additional income through Airbnb.
Since its inception, the Airbnb Entrepreneurship Academy has successfully assisted over 4,500 individuals from diverse and underrepresented communities in 12 countries in acquiring the skills and knowledge needed to become successful hosts on Airbnb.
Looking ahead to 2024, Airbnb plans to expand the Entrepreneurship Academy by partnering with more than 30 organizations globally. These partnerships include collaborations with entities such as the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, Black BRAND, and the Washington Area Community Investment Fund in the US, as well as UNESCO and the World Wildlife Fund in Mexico. Additionally, the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy of Indonesia, Global Himalayan Expedition in India, and various universities in South Africa will also be part of this expansion.
Each partner organization shares a common goal with Airbnb in empowering diverse and underrepresented communities through participation in the tourism economy. Financial support from Airbnb and the Nasdaq Entrepreneurial Center enables these organizations to enhance their existing entrepreneurship programs and host Academies that facilitate economic opportunities for the communities they serve.
Participants in the Airbnb Entrepreneurship Academy benefit from direct interactions with Superhosts who provide valuable insights and guidance on starting and succeeding on the Airbnb platform. Additionally, they gain knowledge about the platform’s tools and resources that can help them build wealth, expand their businesses, and promote inclusive tourism practices.
Testimonials from Academy attendees highlight the transformative impact of the program on their lives and communities. Individuals like Zamani from South Africa, Wira from Indonesia, Rafa from Mexico, and Melody from the US share how the Academy has not only equipped them with the skills to thrive in the hospitality industry but also fostered connections, created jobs, and preserved cultural heritage within their respective regions.
By expanding the reach of the Airbnb Entrepreneurship Academy, Airbnb aims to continue supporting communities worldwide in benefiting from tourism in their localities. Through this initiative, the platform reinforces its commitment to fostering genuine human experiences, promoting economic growth, and empowering individuals from diverse backgrounds to become successful entrepreneurs in the hospitality industry. To learn more about the Airbnb Entrepreneurship Academy and its impact, visit the official Airbnb website.
