Airbnb and SPARK!, a dedicated NGO focusing on women’s entrepreneurship, have unveiled a groundbreaking partnership aimed at fostering women’s entrepreneurship in the tourism sector and enriching the vibrant landscape of hospitality in the country.
This collaboration signals a shared dedication to nurturing women entrepreneurship within the tourism industry through comprehensive capacity-building initiatives tailored to the unique needs of local government units (LGUs) nationwide. By enhancing the skills and competencies of women tourism entrepreneurs, this initiative aims to propel the tourism ecosystem forward while opening up new pathways for individual prosperity.
Central to this partnership is Airbnb’s substantial investment of USD $100,000, designated specifically for advancing women’s entrepreneurship in collaboration with SPARK!. This financial commitment underscores Airbnb’s steadfast dedication to cultivating a sustainable tourism model that not only elevates the industry but also empowers women entrepreneurs at its core. The strategic investment seeks to unlock fresh opportunities for women while strengthening the entire tourism ecosystem of the country.
Mich Goh, Airbnb’s head of Public Policy for Southeast Asia, India, Hong Kong, and Taiwan, emphasized the significance of this partnership. “With the Philippines leading the pack with the second largest women-led Airbnb Host community globally, this partnership for us goes beyond agreements; it is a unified mission to uplift women and enhance the backbone of our tourism industry. Through joint efforts in developing strategies and interventions, we aim to foster an environment where women-led entrepreneurship thrives.”
Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte expressed gratitude for the initiative, highlighting women as pivotal ambassadors for tourism. “Women are the perfect ambassadors for tourism. We are grateful for the continuous support of SPARK! Philippines, now in partnership with Airbnb to support our local women entrepreneurs who are in the tourism and hospitality management industry. Through this program, we hope that more women can explore business models that would boost local tourism, generate more job opportunities, and contribute to the development of the city.”
As the driving force behind women’s empowerment, SPARK! will spearhead the implementation of training programs integral to this partnership. Additionally, SPARK! will focus on facilitating job matching and providing access to rewarding employment opportunities within the tourism sector.