Airbnb to splash out $1m for tourism boost to African continent
THE WORLD’S largest accommodation provider Airbnb yesterday announced that it would invest $1 million (R13.3m) until 2020 to promote and support community-led tourism projects in Africa.
Chris Lehane, Airbnb’s global head of public policy and public affairs, said: “By leveraging technology to boost people-to-people tourism in Africa, we can help build a new economic engine for local families and their communities, while helping more guests enjoy magical travel experiences through the eyes of locals.
“This will help more locals to turn their passions into economic opportunities and showcase the best authentic experiences that guests might otherwise miss,” said Lehane.
He said that the investments would be put to work in 2018 and focus on empowering townships through hosting and promoting, sustainable and inclusive tourism via technology, while supporting locals and non-profit organisations through Airbnb travel.
“Airbnb travel is already delivering significant economic benefits for Africa and today’s investment will help kickstart new benefits for more people across Africa.”
Airbnb said its hosts in Africa had welcomed 1.2 million guests to the continent in the past year, while earning a combined $139m in host income.
He said Africa was home to some of the most welcoming communities and breathtaking landscapes on earth.
Meanwhile, Lehane also released a study highlighting the economic and social benefits of travel using Airbnb for local families and their communities.
The study showed that there were now more than 100 000 homes listed on Airbnb in Africa.
There had been more than 2 million record global guest arrivals using Airbnb, helping spread tourism benefits beyond hotels and tourist hotspots to the places local residents call home, according to the study.
Johannesburg Mayor Herman Mashaba welcomed the investment and said that the African continent needed to create entrepreneurial mindsets in the whole population.