Launch of India's first Airbnb Entrepreneurship Academy in Goa

In a partnership between Airbnb and Goa's Department of Tourism, India's first Airbnb Entrepreneurship Academy has been launched in Goa. The initiative, announced in the presence of Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte and Amanpreet Bajaj of Airbnb, aims to foster homestay tourism and enhance the skills of hospitality entrepreneurs in both urban and rural regions.

Rohan Khaunte, Minister for Tourism, Government of Goa, stated, “For Goa, the homestay segment plays a pivotal role in promoting regenerative tourism by preserving our rich Goan culture with renowned Goan hospitality. Our homestay policy, particularly designed to benefit rural Goa, aligns seamlessly with our Goa Beyond Beaches vision. Women, often the custodians of homestays, stand to gain significantly through various fiscal and non-fiscal incentives under these initiatives." 

He further added, "Building on our MoU with Airbnb, we are delighted to welcome the launch of the Airbnb Entrepreneurship Academy in Goa. This initiative presents an excellent opportunity for Goa to leverage its unique cultural and natural assets while empowering local communities. By equipping residents with the skills to operate homestays, we are not only fostering economic growth but also advancing regenerative tourism and women’s empowerment. This programme will enable us to showcase Goa’s diverse and authentic experiences, inspiring visitors to explore beyond conventional tourist hotspots and embrace responsible, inclusive travel.” 

Suneel Anchipaka, Director, Department of Tourism, Government of Goa added, “The Airbnb Entrepreneurship Academy is a significant step towards empowering Goan communities through tourism entrepreneurship. By equipping locals with essential skills, this initiative aligns perfectly with our vision of fostering inclusive growth and showcasing Goa's authentic experiences to the world." 

The Academy seeks to promote inclusivity by training individuals from diverse communities on how to host on Airbnb. So far, 25 homestay owners have participated in workshops conducted in collaboration with Global Himalayan Expedition (GHE) Impact Ventures. Future training sessions are planned for another set of 25 participants in Madgaon.

Amanpreet Bajaj, General Manager – India, Southeast Asia, Hong Kong, and Taiwan at Airbnb, said, “With the launch of the Airbnb Entrepreneurship Academy in Goa, we are dedicated to transforming lives through tourism entrepreneurship. This programme has been strategically designed and carefully curated to empower local communities with the right education and expertise to help them transform their homes into profitable ventures. With the launch of the Academy, we are committed to cultivating a vibrant local tourism economy that benefits everyone, creating sustainable opportunities for the participants while enhancing the overall guest experience in Goa.”