Airbnb inks first-ever revenue sharing agreement with the Maharashtra govt

Community-driven hospitality company, Airbnb has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Department of Tourism and Culture, Government of Maharashtra to boost tourism and create positive travel experiences for both domestic and international visitors in Maharashtra.

The MoU makes Airbnb the official alternate accommodation partner for the entire state. While the tourism startup has had partnerships with the Gujarat and Andhra Pradesh governments in the past, this is its first revenue-sharing agreement with any state. The agreement will see Airbnb sharing a small portion of its booking revenue in Maharashtra with MTDC.

Under the MoU, the parties have agreed to promote tourism in Maharashtra through Airbnb’s global platform; expand the network of quality homestays in Maharashtra and to provide skills development workshops for hosts on hospitality standards, to be jointly conducted by Airbnb and Department of Tourism within the next six months.

“In Airbnb, we have found a like-minded partner who is keen to collaborate in growing tourism in Maharashtra. Through this partnership, we aim to create at least 50,000 micro-entrepreneurs in the hospitality sector in the next five years, build the homestay ecosystem in the State and improve hospitality standards of homestay owners. We would also jointly promote, globally the destinations across 8-10 districts of Maharashtra in the coming year,” said Shri.Jaykumar Rawal, Honorable Minister of Tourism, Government of Maharashtra.

"Airbnb and Maharashtra’s connection goes back to our roots. The first ever guest hosted by Airbnb’s co-founders came from Pune in Maharashtra. In the last few years, that connection has continued to strengthen through the State’s growth as a high priority market. It is extremely heartening to see the State government’s vision to develop and promote tourism in the State. We are honoured and delighted to partner with the Department of Tourism and MTDC in this journey,” said Amanpreet Bajaj, Country Manager – India, Airbnb.

The partnership comes shortly after Airbnb launched its experience business category, ‘Trips’, in March this year and is looking to leverage the category in the country to widen its base. Airbnb currently lists 22,000 properties across 100 Indian cities with an annual growth rate of 125 percent in listings.