Airbnb signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Department of Tourism, Government of Nagaland in the Capital today. The signing event was held in the presence of Khehovi Yeputhomi, Hon’ble Advisor, Tourism, Government of Nagaland and Chris Lehane, Head of Global Policy and Communications, Airbnb and other key dignitaries.
As part of the partnership, Airbnb was also announced as the official ‘Alternate Accommodation Partner’ for the week-long Nagaland Hornbill Festival, which showcases the rich cultural heritage of the state.
Held each year in December, the festival offers unique, authentic and immersive experiences attracting domestic and international tourists. While the festival is already one of the top tourist attractions in Nagaland, Airbnb will help further promote the festival to its audience of international travellers.
Announcing the partnership, Neiphiu Rio, Hon’ble Chief Minister, Government of Nagaland, said, “Through the partnership with Airbnb, the government aims to create a more inclusive tourism sector in Nagaland that empowers local communities by creating skilled micro-entrepreneurs and build a sustainable homestay ecosystem. Nagaland is a treasure trove of tourism, offering a plethora of unique experiences and Airbnb’s global platform will augment the tourist growth rate. As our official accommodation partner for Hornbill Festival, we look forward to working with Airbnb to welcome more international and domestic tourists to Nagaland.”
“Considering that North-East India is the country’s gateway to South East Asia, the integration and development of the region is crucial for India’s continued progress. The importance of economic development in the North-East for inclusive growth of India and the central role of tourism in the region to put India on the global tourism map has been reiterated by Hon’ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi on several occasions,” he further said.
“This MoU demonstrates how Airbnb is working hand in hand with the government to promote the North-East. There is so much potential for the State of Nagaland to develop a healthy and sustainable tourism industry that delivers economic benefits to local communities. Empowering and skilling local hospitality micro-entrepreneurs will support the government’s objectives of creating more sustainable, diverse accommodation options and attracting more visitors,” said Chris Lehane, Head of Global Policy and Communications, Airbnb.
Through the MoU, the parties aim to help build a sustainable tourism ecosystem that benefits local communities and promote prominent events like the Hornbill Festival.
Key elements of the partnership include:
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Skills development workshops, jointly conducted by Nagaland tourism and Airbnb, for existing and potential hospitality entrepreneurs.
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Promotion of key festivals and underserved areas in Nagaland.
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Share best practices to create a conducive regulatory environment for home sharing in
the state.
