Skill India partners Airbnb to empower 50,000 hospitality entrepreneurs in India

To promote entrepreneurship, especially in underserved areas and women society, the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) and Tourism and Hospitality Sector Skill Council (THSC) have signed a memorandum of understanding with Airbnb, the world’s leading community-driven hospitality company.

The tripartite MoU will provide hospitality skills training to hospitality micro-entrepreneurs in India. It also builds on Airbnb’s commitment to support Skill India Mission by creating 50,000 hospitality entrepreneurs in India including 15,000 women.

“We believe that this partnership will help augment the Skill India Mission by bringing in global best practices for the training of small hospitality entrepreneurs,” said Dharmendra Pradhan, Minister for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, reported ET.

Through the partnership, the Ministry, Airbnb, NSDC, and THSC will work together to create an accredited skill development module for hospitality entrepreneurs offering homestay facilities, unique accommodations, and local experiences.

It also aims to empower more citizens, including those in rural and under-served areas to join the ‘alternate accommodation’ sector and pursue new livelihood opportunities by sharing their homes.

Betting on Indian tourism, which is indeed a growing sector, Airbnb bats for the adoption of healthy and sustainable tourism practices that ensure the benefits of tourism go back to local communities.

In July, Startup India Hub which was launched by Nirmala Sitharaman, the then minister of state for commerce and industry, emphasised to make it more flexible. Besides offering knowledge, tool, and experts in the nascent startup ecosystem, it will also allow startups to apply for government schemes and venture funds directly from the platform.

Recently, the Indian Government announced its modification in tax structure to make it more attractive for young entrepreneurs in the country and to encourage the Indian startup ecosystem. Earlier, the government allowed the tax benefit to be taken during the first seven years, as most startups do not make profits in the initial years of their operations.