Airbnb and Maharashtra Tourism are coming together to boost tourism.

Vacation Rental Company Airbnb and Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC) have moved into an agreement to start the Tourism Entrepreneurship Accelerator Programme to boost tourism prospects in Sindhudurg, Ratnagiri, and Palghar districts. This type of initiative is happening first time in India.

“The programme aims to drive economic growth in local communities by helping micro-entrepreneurs in the hospitality sector grow their business through four key pillars of support: training, enabling, access and promotion,” Airbnb and MTDC said in a joint statement.

MTDC will get training programmes from Airbnb to identify quality destinations, homes, and entrepreneurs. It will train the selected entrepreneurs in technology, hospitality, financing, regulations, and promotion.

Airbnb and MTDC have decided to connect selected entrepreneurs with local partners to offer them access to technology, address language barriers and provide mentorship support. MTDC will also use its promotional platforms to support the entrepreneurs.

The programme will be introduced first in Elephanta village, where MTDC and Airbnb will associate with the gram panchayat, identify 35 homes and get them aligned with Airbnb standards. V.K. Gautam, Principal Secretary, Tourism and Culture, Maharashtra, said, “In year one, we target to create and nurture 1,500 tourism and hospitality entrepreneurs. This will motivate tourism and open up new destinations and unique experiences for travelers.”

“In Airbnb, we have found a global partner whose vision is to create skilled micro-entrepreneurs in hospitality and the homestay ecosystem to expand Maharashtra’s tourism potential,” said Jaykumar Rawal, Minister of Tourism, Maharashtra.

Airbnb has devoted to creating 50,000 hospitality micro-entrepreneurs in India. “The launch of the Accelerator Programme is a major step towards realizing our commitment and Maharashtra is our lead partner in creating a progressive, sustainable tourism ecosystem in India,” said Chris Lehane, Head of Airbnb Global Public Policy & Communications. He said India would be one of Airbnb’s top three markets globally. Last year, the company had 23,000 homes in its network in India and the number had grown to 31,000 homes by May 2018. Airbnb has been sharing its profits with MTDC to grow tourism in the State.

Airbnb has also announced the introduction of Experiences in Goa, a service that allows travelers to explore unique destinations through handcrafted activities designed by locals.