Nathan Blecharczyk, Airbnb Co-founder and Chief Strategy Officer, has announced an Indian-first partnership with the Digital Empowerment Foundation to deliver hospitality skills training to 15,000 potential women entrepreneurs in India.
Nathan also shared Airbnb’s vision to identify India’s high potential, but lesser known tourism destinations and promote them to a global audience of travellers in partnership with the Government of India.
Speaking on the occasion, Nathan Blecharczyk said, “We are committed to support the Government of India in its efforts to create skilled entrepreneurs, including women and youth, in India’s tourism sector, especially in destinations across the country that are unexplored treasures for both global and domestic travellers.”
“We are aligned with the Prime Minister Modi’s vision to showcase India’s unique cultural treasures to the world, including heritage sights, craft and artisan villages, and spiritual landmarks,” Nathan Blecharczyk added.
KJ Alphons, Minister of Tourism (I/C), Govt. Of India said, “Airbnb is a valuable partner that can play a critical role in supporting to make tourism a strong pillar of economic growth by nurturing micro-entrepreneurs across rural India and showcasing the authentic experiences India has to offer to the outside world”.
Given the government’s ambitious plans to have increased participation of women entrepreneurs in the tourism sector, we are committed to working closely with government departments to promote economic opportunities for women across the country.
Osama Manzar, Founder, Digital Empowerment Foundation (DEF) added, “Airbnb can play a very critical role in women empowerment through sustainable development based on strong diverse Indian heritage and culture and showcasing to the world about the rural and grassroots wisdom.”
