Airbnb is investing $100,000 to open more employment and entrepreneurial opportunities for Filipino women in Tourism.

Through a partnership with SPARK!, a women’s entrepreneurship-focused NGO, Airbnb Philippines is sponsoring year-long training programs in the tourism sector, for women. The grant also entails the provision of job matching assistance and access to various employment and business opportunities by SPARK! Philippines for the female beneficiaries.  An example of the initiative is the Airbnb Entrepreneurship Academy, where chosen female participants from challenging situations, are given training on topics such as customer service, hospitality, cultural sensitivity, business etiquette, among others, to prepare them for tourism jobs.

The partnership has initially been launched through a pilot program in Quezon City. “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,” says Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte said.

SPARK! and Airbnb Philippines: Empowering Women Entrepreneurs

SPARK! for its part says, that apart from the initial training programs, they intend to eventually provide job and business opportunities. “Our commitment extends beyond training; we are dedicated to creating a pathway for women to access meaningful and empowering opportunities may it be through employment or entrepreneurship or both,” says Maica Teves, Philippine Executive Director, SPARK!

According to Airbnb Philippines, it is predominantly the women who have been fueling their business in the country, with the Philippines having the second largest women-led Airbnb Host community in the world. This is why the agreement is very important to the web-based rental platform.

“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,” says Mich Goh, Airbnb’s Head of Public Policy for Southeast Asia, India, Hong Kong, and Taiwan.

About Airbnb

Airbnb was born in 2007 when two Hosts welcomed three guests to their San Francisco home, and has since grown to over 4 million Hosts who have welcomed over 1.5 billion guest arrivals in almost every country across the globe. Every day, Hosts offer unique stays and experiences that make it possible for guests to connect with communities in a more authentic way.