The Ministry of Tourism, Government of India and Airbnb have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Goa today to promote cultural tourism to India and showcase country’s heritage to foreign visitors. The alternate accommodation provider will also work to promote inbound tourism to India as part of Ministry’s Visit India 2023 initiative.
The MoU was signed on the onset of fourth G20 Tourism Working Group (TWG) meeting in the presence of G Kishan Reddy, Union Tourism Minister, Government of India, V Vidyavathi, Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, Rakesh Kumar Verma, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, and Amanpreet Bajaj, General Manager, Airbnb India, Southeast Asia, Hong Kong and Taiwan.
Under the MoU, Airbnb will launch a dedicated ‘Soul of India’ microsite for the global audience showcasing India’s rich culture and built heritage. Other areas of partnership under the MoU include destination promotion, sharing travel and tourism insights, Host recognition and capacity building.
This year-long partnership symbolises the shared commitment of both Airbnb and the Ministry of Tourism to enhance India’s standing in the global tourism market through promotional strategies and campaigns.
With significant global participation from G20 countries and registered professionals, the Ministry of Tourism has set the stage for meaningful B2B discussions, fostering collaboration and propelling the industry towards sustainable growth in tourism. The discussions on five priority areas, scheduled to take place from June 19 to 22 in Goa, will also shape the final Goa roadmap draft.
Highlighting the importance of promoting cultural tourism and preserving heritage sites, Reddy on the ocassion said, “India’s age-old dictum “Atithi Devo Bhava” equates guests to God and what better way to extend hospitality to guests than by making them stay in homes with local communities? Homestay accommodations offer travellers a personalised, immersive and rooted in culture travel experience. We are delighted to partner with Airbnb, whose global reach will provide enhanced visibility to India’s unique and varied accommodation offerings and enable travellers an opportunity to experience our rich heritage first-hand. This partnership will contribute to the growth of inbound tourism, create economic opportunities for local communities and position India uniquely on the global tourism map.”Amanpreet Bajaj, General Manager – India, Southeast Asia, Hong Kong and Taiwan at Airbnb, said, “We are proud to partner with the Ministry of Tourism to celebrate the Soul of India. This MoU represents an important collaboration towards unlocking new economic and social opportunities through tourism in India while bolstering the Incredible India brand and bringing the richness of what India has to offer to even more international travellers. Airbnb has consistently placed Hosts and their empowerment at its core and is pleased to see the G20 countries, led by India, sharing the same commitment to equipping communities with the adequate skills and fostering responsible tourism practices.”
