Since its launch in 2017, the Airbnb Entrepreneurship Academy has helped more than 4 500 participants from diverse and underrepresented communities in 12 countries learn how to host on Airbnb.
To help communities around the world benefit from tourism, global online short-term accommodation rental platform, Airbnb, launched its Entrepreneurship Academy in 2017.
The Airbnb Entrepreneurship Academy introduces people from diverse and historically underrepresented communities to hosting on its platform. Through the Academy, Airbnb works with local organisations to develop tailored educational programmes that help participants learn how to become entrepreneurs by turning their spare room or property into a source of extra money on Airbnb.
In 2024, Airbnb will continue to scale the Academy by partnering with more than 30 organisations, including the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians and Washington Area Community Investment Fund in the US, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization and World Wildlife Fund in Mexico, the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy of the Republic of Indonesia, Global Himalayan Expedition in India, and the Central University of Technology, Free State and the University of Johannesburg in South Africa.
Airbnb said each of the partners shared its commitment to empowering diverse and underrepresented communities through the tourism economy.
It added that Airbnb and the Nasdaq Entrepreneurial Centre helped fund these organisations to support their existing entrepreneurship programmes and host Academies to help the communities they serve to unlock the economic opportunities of hosting.
“We are excited to collaborate with Airbnb and to expand the Academy, as this presents wonderful opportunities for our students in the entrepreneurial space and broadens their exposure to tourism and hospitality. At the School of Tourism and Hospitality we value our partnerships with industry and look forward to working together with Airbnb to educate our future entrepreneurs,” said Professor Diane Abrahams, Director of the School of Tourism and Hospitality Management at the University of Johannesburg.
The Airbnb Entrepreneurship Academy in action
As part of the Academy, participants hear directly from Superhosts who share tips and helpful information on how to get started and find success on Airbnb. Many also learn about its platform and tools that can help them build wealth, grow their business, and support inclusive tourism.
“The Airbnb Entrepreneurship Academy helped me start my ‘Awesome Zulu village experience’ on Airbnb and offered me a lifeline when all seemed lost. Since becoming a Host on Airbnb, my confidence and self-esteem have been restored, enabling me to take proactive steps in providing for my family's needs with pride and dignity,” said Zamani, an Academy attendee from Mpembheni in South Africa.
“Moreover, hosting on Airbnb has helped my family and me understand the importance of human connection and compassion, strengthening our bonds and reaffirming our commitment to supporting one another with love and empathy,” Zamani added.
By expanding the Airbnb Entrepreneurship Academy, the global online short-term accommodation rental platform aims to help more communities benefit from tourism in the places they call home.
