Wesgro has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Airbnb to partner on various initiatives that aim to position Cape Town and the Western Cape as the leading destination on the continent for innovation in the new economy.
Integral to this, a think tank on the sharing economy is to be held by Wesgro on October 20. The event will bring together a number of representatives from various sectors, cities, provinces and national government, as well as industry stakeholders and international and local experts.
The conference aims to explore the shift from the old to the new economy in the Western Cape and to discuss how businesses can adapt and coexist with new entrants like Airbnb. Wesgro is focusing on ensuring that the province can adapt to the changing economic landscape by harnessing the shared economy to boost jobs and economic opportunities.
“Airbnb has been a huge market innovator globally, which provides a great opportunity for the Cape. Innovative technology platforms like Airbnb will allow businesses in Cape Town and the Western Cape to gain greater access to global visitors and, if harnessed correctly, can help promote travel to all areas of the Western Cape region,” said Tim Harris, CEO of Wesgro.
“I believe that our partnership with Airbnb can boost economic inclusion in the province and I am confident that the MoU that was signed last week is going to have a positive impact.”
The think tank, in addition to the sharing economy, will also see Wesgro and Airbnb partner with regions across the Western Cape to promote and build accommodation capacity around regional events.
The initiative aims to provide capacity in areas that lack sufficient accommodation.
