Airbnb and SPARK!, a leading NGO focused on women’s entrepreneurship, have announced a groundbreaking partnership to promote women’s entrepreneurship in the tourism industry and enhance the country’s dynamic hospitality landscape.
This collaboration is a joint commitment to empower women tourism entrepreneurs through year-long capacity-building initiatives tailored to local government units (LGUs) across the nation.
The partnership is underpinned by a significant investment of USD $100,000 from Airbnb, specifically earmarked for fostering women’s entrepreneurship in collaboration with SPARK!. This strategic investment aims to unlock new opportunities for women and bolster the entire tourism ecosystem of the country.
The Philippines has the second-largest women-led Airbnb Host community globally, making this partnership a unified mission to uplift women and enhance the backbone of the tourism industry.
Through joint efforts in developing strategies and interventions, Airbnb and SPARK! aim to foster an environment where women-led entrepreneurship thrives.
The Department of Tourism is also a key partner in this initiative. Arlene Alipio, Director, the Office of Industry Manpower Development, Department of Tourism, said, “Central to the mission of the Department of Tourism is the empowerment of women as entrepreneurs as we recognize the importance of ensuring that women are not only included but empowered to thrive within the tourism industry.”
SPARK!, a catalyst for women’s empowerment, will implement the training programs that are integral to this partnership. Additionally, SPARK! will also focus on job-matching and providing access to gainful employment opportunities within the tourism sector. Their expertise will bridge the gap between professional training and actual industry needs, ensuring women are not just trained but are also seamlessly integrated into tourism-related roles.
Maica Teves, Philippines Executive Director, SPARK!, said, “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. This partnership reinforces our mission to foster a supportive network and bridge the gap between skills and employment.”
Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte expressed her gratitude for the continuous support of SPARK! Philippines and Airbnb in supporting local women entrepreneurs who are in the tourism and hospitality management industry. She said, “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.”
This partnership is envisioned as a cornerstone for fostering a flourishing ecosystem of women-led entrepreneurship, paving the way for a more diverse and sustainable tourism ecosystem. The year-long partnership was launched first through a pilot program in Quezon City through a partnership with SPARK!, and supported by the Quezon City government.
Mich Goh, Airbnb’s Head of Public Policy for Southeast Asia, India, Hong Kong, and Taiwan, said, “By empowering women, we cultivate a sense of ownership and shared responsibility, ultimately creating a community of empowered women and a thriving tourism industry.”
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