Airbnb launched the Airbnb Entrepreneurship Academy in 2017 with the objective of helping communities around the world benefit from tourism. This year, we are expanding the reach of the Academy by partnering with more than 30 organizations, including the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy of the Republic of Indonesia.  Launched as a pilot in 2023, the Airbnb Entrepreneurship Academy program in Indonesia is a cornerstone of Airbnb’s partnership with the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy (MTCE) and aims to boost Indonesia’s tourism sector through experiential learning programs and community engagement platforms for homestay owners operating in MTCE’s identified tourism villages.

MTCE’s Tourism Village program, aimed at accelerating sustainable tourism and economic recovery, has listed 4,000 tourism villages and aims to add 2,000 more throughout 2024. Through the academy, Airbnb and MTCE will equip the local homestay owners in these villages with essential tools and knowledge required to successfully operate their listings, and thereby promote tourism in these villages. Through this partnership, this program will primarily target homestay owners in Bali, Lombok, and Magelang.

“The tourism sector plays a vital role in the lives of millions of people, as their livelihoods are intricately connected to this industry. The collaborative partnership between the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy and Airbnb has made a substantial contribution to the progress, efficiency, and professional management of Indonesia’s tourism sector. As we move forward, our Ministry remains steadfast in its commitment to support initiatives that elevate the capacity and competence of human resources within the tourism industry, with a specific focus on fostering growth with the support of the Airbnb Entrepreneurship Academy.” said Sandiaga Uno, Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy, Indonesia.

So far, through the academy, Airbnb and MTCE have trained 197 homestay owners from 36 tourism villages through interactive workshops and webinars conducted during 2023-2024. The workshops were held in Bali (August 2023), Magelang (January 2024) and Lombok (February 2024).

“Joining the Airbnb Entrepreneurship Academy has been a transformative journey for me, both personally and professionally. This program has not only equipped me with the skills to excel in the hospitality industry but has also generated employment opportunities in our local community. What truly sets the program apart is its commitment to fostering genuine connections and community growth. Airbnb isn’t just another travel company; it’s a platform that celebrates authentic human experiences, and I’m proud to be a part of this journey,”  said Wira, Academy attendee from Bali, Indonesia.

The academy’s curriculum emphasizes entrepreneurship, experiential learning, and community building. Participants don’t necessarily need to be Airbnb hosts, they need to simply share a passion for improving their hosting skills and authentically connecting with travelers. Participants can benefit from one-day offline workshops and webinars to sharpen their hosting skills, ensuring memorable experiences for their guests.

“As we witness a growing trend in dispersed travel, Airbnb has played a pivotal role in connecting guests to more than 100,000 cities and towns across more than 200 countries and regions. With this travel resurgence, more people have the opportunity to experience the economic benefits of home sharing. The Airbnb Entrepreneurship Academy is a vital initiative that empowers communities by introducing them to hosting on our platform. Through our partnership with the Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy, we’re committed to extending this opportunity to even more communities in Indonesia and enabling the locals to benefit from tourism in the places they call home.” said Amanpreet Bajaj, General Manager, Airbnb Southeast Asia, India, Hong Kong and Taiwan.