Airbnb has run a successful pilot programme in collaboration with Open Africa, the South African College for Tourism and the Cape Innovation and Technology Initiative (CiTi), with the aim of empowering underprivileged communities in South Africa.
The programme is the first of its kind by Airbnb in SA to support communities to better their futures through tourism. It forms part of Airbnb’s vision to spread the benefits of tourism – previously kept in the hands of a few – to the many.
Airbnb aims to enrol more communities across the region in the programme.
It consists of ten modules and covers everything from exploring how to list a home on Airbnb to managing online payments and creating a guest experience. Since its launch, 15 residents – mainly women – from various townships across the Western Cape have already participated.
The programme is open to everyone, including people who do not own their own homes. This has been made possible by Airbnb’s co-hosting feature, which allows hosts to add co-hosts to their account.
The typical host on Airbnb in SA shares their home for 16 days a year and earns an additional R28 000 (€1 760) per annum.
Velma Corcoran, Country Manager South Africa at Airbnb said: “Airbnb is empowering people and communities that have not previously benefited from tourism.”
Alan Winde, Minister of Economic Opportunities in the Western Cape government said: “Inclusive tourism expands access to the tourism sector. It is our goal to make sure that more residents are able to benefit from this growing sector.”
Maria Maile, a programme participant and host on Airbnb from Khayelitsha said: “Before the training, I didn't know many of the other women, who are now hosts on Airbnb. We were all interested, open-minded and loving. We've now formed our own community. We hold meetings once a week and decided to start a fund so we can travel to other group members if they need help. Our group is about helping each other and finding ways to motivate others from different communities."
