Skift Take
Legacy wouldn't last unless there was community support, and also that tourism has a multiplier effect on jobs and livelihoods. After all, there’s no greater motivation than protecting one's heritage.
The Skift India Newsletter is your go-to platform for all news related to travel, tourism, airlines, and hospitality in India.
Airbnb has signed a memorandum of understanding with India’s Ministry of Tourism to showcase the country’s heritage stays and promote cultural tourism. As part of the ministry’s "Visit India 2023" initiative, Airbnb will launch a dedicated ‘Soul of India’ microsite; offer support to hosts in untapped tourist areas; assist them in promoting their homestays; build host capacity; and foster a culture of responsible hosting.
Airbnb said it will train hospitality micro-entrepreneurs in emerging destinations that are part of the ministry's flagship scheme, adding, it would also share travel and homestay insights with the ministry for informed responsible tourism policies and training requirements.
Last December, Airbnb inked a memorandum of understanding with the Goa tourism department to promote inclusive tourism. The partnership aimed to boost hinterland and homestay tourism in Goa and enable capacity building of hospitality entrepreneurs in the state. The platform is witnessing strong demand from Indian travelers for non-urban destinations like rural homestays, said Amanpreet Bajaj, general m