To promote homestay and bed and breakfast (B&B) tourism in the state, Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC) has announced its partnership with Airbnb.
“By promoting homestay tourism, this partnership will encourage travel to lesser-known destinations and will enable inclusive community-led tourism in the state, that will further enhance economic prospects, “reads an official statement by Airbnb.
Under this partnership, MTDC and Airbnb will promote nearby travel-to destinations in Maharashtra that are offbeat and offer a unique experience to travellers. Onboard are three MTDC properties within Maharashtra that will offer travellers distinct offerings including farm stays. The agreement also includes webinars and workshops to train homestay hosts and B&B owners.
Tourism and Environment Minister of Maharashtra, Aaditya Thackeray tweeted:
Commenting on this partnership, Thackeray added:
“Maharashtra is an ecologically and culturally rich state and offers travelers unique travel experiences. We are committed to improving community-driven hospitality that is sustainable and offers travellers accessible, affordable and quality tourism. Safety is also key.
“With Airbnb, we will strengthen the ecosystem for the growth of homestays and B&Bs in the state, to revive tourism growth in the coming months. We appreciate Airbnb’s effort in helping us promote tourism in Maharashtra”.
Amanpreet Bajaj, general manager (India, southeast Asia, Hong Kong and Taiwan) at Airbnb said:
“This partnership is a valuable opportunity to drive rapid demand growth towards domestic tourism and to support economy recovery. Airbnb has always been committed to highlighting unique destinations that are off the beaten track, and to ensure that economic benefits of tourism reach as many communities as possible.
“We are proud to be working with MTDC, and to support their vision. Rebuilding trust in travel is a long-term mindset and requires a collaborative effort between governments, tourism authorities and private players. We have witnessed commendable efforts put in by the Government of Maharashtra and MTDC towards this endeavor and are fully committed to support them.”
