To boost heritage accommodations and cultural tourism in India, Airbnb is getting ready to collaborate with the Ministry of Tourism. The collaboration falls under the ministry's 'Visit India 2023' initiative.

Following this Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), Airbnb will introduce Soul of India, a brand-new microsite devoted to the nation. The website, which will showcase India's rich culture and heritage, will cater to a global audience. According to a press release, Airbnb also intends to advance the Indian heritage through the promotion of vacation destinations, the exchange of travel-related information, hosting recognition, and capacity building.

Amanpreet Bajaj, General Manager of Airbnb India, Southeast Asia, Hong Kong, and Taiwan, G Kishan Reddy, Union Minister for Culture, Tourism, and Development of the North Eastern Region, V Vidyavathi, Secretary, and Rakesh Kumar Verma, Additional Secretary, all witnessed the signing of the MoU. It aims to draw attention to the heritage properties in India that are significant culturally. It will entice visitors to go on an immersive tour of the nation's varied past.

A genuine look into India's rich culture will be provided by the heritage stays featured on the Soul of India microsite. Additionally, Airbnb will assist hosts in underdeveloped tourism areas, guiding them to host guests responsibly and helping them in any manner possible.

The relationship between Airbnb and the Ministry of Tourism will last for one year, during which time new initiatives and strategies will be developed to improve India's position in the international tourism industry. Speaking about the same, Reddy remarked, "India's proverb "Atithi Devo Bhava" compares guests to God; what better way to show guests hospitality than by having them stay in houses with the neighborhood?

Travelers can customize their trip and have a culturally rich experience by staying in a homestay. In the statement, Bajaj is quoted as saying, "We are delighted to partner with Airbnb, whose global reach will provide enhanced visibility to India's unique and varied accommodation offerings and enable travelers an opportunity to experience our rich heritage firsthand."

"This MoU represents an important collaboration towards unlocking new economic and social opportunities through tourism in India while strengthening the Incredible India brand and bringing the richness of what India has to offer to even more international travelers," the official statement continues.

By signing this Memorandum of Understanding, Airbnb and the Ministry of Tourism have created the framework for an exciting journey that will not only promote India's cultural legacy but also generate transformative experiences for tourists, support economic growth, and celebrate the dynamic diversity that defines India's character.