Airbnb has entered a partnership with Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board (UTDB) to promote responsible tourism in lesser-known destinations. Through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), Airbnb will conduct capacity-building workshops, onboard homestays onto its platform, and contribute to creating a robust homestay ecosystem in pilot locations. The collaboration aims to preserve Uttarakhand's cultural heritage and natural beauty while empowering local hosts. UTDB's CEO, Sachin Kurve, sees this partnership as a means to promote homestay culture and responsible hosting, providing unique experiences for travellers.
Airbnb, a platform that allows people to rent accommodations, has joined hands with Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board (UTDB) to boost tourism in lesser-known destinations. The two entities signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate on preserving the cultural heritage, natural beauty, and unique traditions of Uttarakhand while promoting responsible travel practices. This partnership aims to encourage travelers to explore hidden gems rather than the usual popular spots.
The MoU outlines several key components. First, Airbnb will focus on capacity building in selected pilot locations. This involves enhancing local hospitality standards, teaching hosting best practices, and promoting responsible hosting. Special workshops will be organized for a group of 'model hosts' who will then share their knowledge with others in their community.
Another significant aspect is the onboarding of homestays onto the Airbnb platform. Workshops will be conducted in the chosen pilot destinations to train 'model hosts' on creating appealing profiles, optimizing listing content, and capturing attractive photographs to attract travelers. The collaboration also aims to create a strong homestay ecosystem. Airbnb will assess specific gaps in homestays within the pilot destinations and provide this valuable information to UTDB. The insights gathered will help UTDB develop a targeted strategy to support homestays, fostering inclusive growth in the region.
To ensure smooth coordination, Airbnb will work closely with district tourism officers designated as points of contact (PoCs). They will assist in organizing workshops and events, offer venue support, provide a list of registered homestays in pilot locations, and help identify and mobilize 'model hosts.'
Sachin Kurve, Secretary of Tourism and CEO of UTDB, expressed excitement about the partnership, emphasizing Uttarakhand's warm hospitality and diverse attractions. He believes that the collaboration with Airbnb will further promote the homestay culture in the state, providing training on responsible hosting and unlocking the potential to attract guests from India and abroad.
Amanpreet Bajaj, General Manager at Airbnb, India, Southeast Asia, Hong Kong, and Taiwan, expressed pride in partnering with UTDB. He emphasised that their goal is to empower micro entrepreneurs in the region by offering training on hospitality standards, sharing hosting best practices, and encouraging responsible hosting initiatives. Bajaj highlighted Airbnb's commitment to host empowerment and looks forward to working with the government to onboard homestays in Uttarakhand onto their platform.
The collaboration between Airbnb and UTDB is set to enhance tourism in Uttarakhand by promoting responsible travel, empowering local hosts, and offering travelers enriching experiences in lesser-explored destinations.
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