Airbnb says applications will open in August. Photo: Reuters
Airbnb on Thursday announced a R2 million sponsorship with the University of Johannesburg School of Tourism and Hospitality (STH) to support and empower emerging tourism entrepreneurs from previously disadvantaged backgrounds.
The sponsorship would initially support five first year students from 2024, covering study expenses, tuition fees, and the cost of on-campus accommodation for the duration of a four-year undergraduate degree, including honours, it said in a statement.
The scholarship will be open to students registering in 2024. Applications will open in August. For more details, contact the School of Tourism & Hospitality director’s office, Adila Adams on adilaa@uj.ac.za
The sponsorship builds on Airbnb’s partnership with the University of Johannesburg to bring the Airbnb Entrepreneurship Academy to at least 1000 students over three years, and forms part of Airbnb’s 2021 three-year commitment to South Africa to address barriers to becoming a tourism entrepreneur and to help rebuild a more inclusive tourism economy.
Velma Corcoran, the regional lead Middle East Africa at Airbnb, said, “Together with the University of Johannesburg, we hope the Airbnb Academy Scholarship can help and inspire young South Africans to pursue further studies in tourism and hospitality, and empower them to change the face of the tourism industry.”
In a survey, half of Airbnb hosts across South Africa said the money they earned from hosting helped cover the rising cost of living, and over a third said the additional income helped them make ends meet.
“Airbnb recognises the historic challenges in South Africa and the need for a more inclusive economy, and will continue to invest in campaigns and programmes via the Airbnb Entrepreneurship Academy that build a more inclusive tourism economy in South Africa,” it said.
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