Airbnb announced it will invest $1 million (R13,5 million) to promote and support community-led tourism projects in Africa amid record numbers of international travellers coming to Johannesburg.
Airbnb hosts in Africa have welcomed 1,2 million guests to the continent in the past year while hosts earned a combined $139 million (almost R2 billion).
The announcement was made recently by Chris Lehane, Airbnb global head of public policy and public affairs, along with Joburg’s Executive Mayor, Herman Mashaba, and Hermione Nevill, world bank group’s senior travel specialist.
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They announced investments will be put to work in 2018 and will focus on the company’s township empowerment programme, where residents are trained in hospitality and technology so they can open their homes to travellers, as well as earning an income. The investments will also look at sustainable and inclusive tourism through technology and promote people-to-people travel that helps generate new revenue streams for more communities.
Lehane said he believes Africa is home to some of the most welcoming communities and breathtaking landscapes on earth.
“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.
“Airbnb travel is already delivering significant economic benefits for Africa and today’s investment will help kickstart new benefits for more people across Africa,” he said.
In Johannesburg, international travellers ended up spending US$2,56 billion (R34,5 billion) in the City of Gold last year. Mashaba said this was a testament to the city being the economic hub of the country. He welcomed the Airbnb investment as a way of showing people that they already have the tools needed to participate in the economy.
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“Johannesburg is a city of inclusivity. As the new administration, our goal is to ensure equitable and sustainable growth, especially in our poorest communities. Any initiative that assists the City in accomplishing our goal is welcomed. The African continent needs to create entrepreneurial mindsets in the whole population,” he said.
Nevill agreed that tourism on the continent is expected to continue its rapid growth.
“It is vital to ensure this growth occurs sustainably and drives poverty reduction across the continent. It is encouraging to see travel technology platforms such as Airbnb investing in Africa, and piloting more inclusive forms of tourism growth.”
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Joburg welcomes record 4,57 million visitors, still faces job seeker influx problem
Source: Irvine Partners PR and Integrated Marketing Agency
