January 23, 2024
2 mins read

Airbnb, Uttarakhand Tourism Board Join Forces to Boost Untapped Destinations

The partnership will focus on onboarding homestays onto the Airbnb platform. Airbnb will conduct workshops in the identified pilot destinations to train ‘model hosts’ on setting up their profiles, optimizing listing content, and capturing attractive photographs to attract travellers….reports Asian Lite News

Airbnb signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board (UTDB), to build host capacity in untapped destinations, thereby redirecting travellers from the state’s traditionally popular spots to lesser-explored gems.On the signing of the MoU, Sachin Kurve, Secretary, Tourism, and CEO, UTDB, Government of Uttarakhand, said, “Uttarakhand is known for its warm hospitality and its rich tapestry of pristine trekking trails, diverse wildlife, serene hill stations, pilgrimage sites, and more. This partnership with Airbnb will further expand our efforts to promote homestay culture in our state. Individuals in the tourism sector will receive training on responsible hosting which will unlock their potential to attract guests from India and abroad. Through this partnership, we’re confident the travelers will be presented with enriching, immersive experiences that allow them to witness Uttarakhand’s beauty up close.” This collaboration reflects a shared commitment to preserving the state’s cultural heritage, natural beauty, and unique traditions, while promoting responsible and conscious travel practices in the state, which further uplifts the local communities while delivering enriching experiences for the travellers. 

Key elements of the MoU include: Capacity Building – Airbnb will undertake capacity building activities in the select pilot locations to enhance local hospitality standards, hosting best practices, and responsible hosting. Workshops will be organized for a select group of ‘model hosts,’ who will then impart their knowledge and expertise to other members of their community.

Onboarding homestays – The partnership will focus on onboarding homestays onto the Airbnb platform. Airbnb will conduct workshops in the identified pilot destinations to train ‘model hosts’ on setting up their profiles, optimizing listing content, and capturing attractive photographs to attract travellers.

Creating a robust homestay ecosystem – Airbnb will conduct a thorough review of homestay-specific gaps in the identified pilot destinations and share its assessment with UTDB. This valuable input will help UTDB formulate a targeted support strategy for homestays, thus fostering inclusive growth within the region.

Training and seamless integration – Airbnb will work with the identified district tourism officers appointed as points of contact (PoCs) for seamless coordination, offering venue support for workshops and events, a list of registered homestays in pilot locations, shortlist and mobilize ‘model hosts’.Amanpreet Bajaj, General Manager – India, Southeast Asia, Hong Kong and Taiwan at Airbnb, said, “We are proud to partner with the Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board (UTDB). With this partnership, we aim to empower microentrepreneurs in the region by offering them training on hospitality standards, sharing hosting best practices and encouragingresponsible hosting initiatives. Airbnb has consistently placed Hosts and their empowerment at its core, and we are looking forward to working with the government to onboard homestays in the state on our platform.”

ALSO READ-Central Trade Unions Seek Probe into Uttarakhand Tunnel Collapse

Previous Story

UNGA President in Delhi to Advance India-UN Ties

Next Story

Will Modi Look Beyond Tradition in Foreign Policy?

Latest from LITE BLOGS

Kerala Awaits Grand Sadhya

At the heart of it all is the 26-dish Onam Sadhya. Traditionally served on a glossy banana leaf, sometimes enjoyed sitting cross-legged on the floor in olden style, the Sadhya represents abundance

Gold Shines Bright Amid Global Jitters

Gold and silver continued their bullish run on Monday, scaling new highs amid mounting global uncertainties, heightened geopolitical tensions, and growing expectations of a US Federal Reserve rate cut. According to the

Train ASHAs, Save Babies

Speaking to IANS, Dr. Rahul UR, State Nodal Officer – Child Health and Rare Diseases, National Health Mission, Kerala, explained that understanding the disease’s natural course is essential Training India’s network of

WHO Warns of Escalating Cholera Threat

Recent figures highlight the growing threat. In 2023, WHO recorded 535,321 cases and 4,007 deaths across 45 countries. However, the true toll is likely higher, with weak surveillance systems and fears of trade

Action Cinema’s 2025 Powerhouses

For those fond of action movies, 2025 has already delivered an adrenaline rush of big-screen spectacles. Action as a genre has never really gone out of fashion, and this year proved once
Go toTop

Don't Miss

Step into Fantasy Worlds with Airbnb Icons

TikTok sensation Khaby Lame invites you to his hometown of

Uttarakhand Enacts Law to Compensate for Riot Damages

Under this law, full recovery will be made from the