Airbnb and Puerto Rico have decided to come together to revitalize the island after the devastation created by Hurricane Maria. This revitalization effort will be done through tourism as Airbnb will be launching 50 new experiences throughout Puerto Rico. These experiences will be offered by local companies and will include hikes in nature preserves and sailing in San Juan Bay. This new partnership between Airbnb and Puerto Rico aims to bring in more tourists to the island as the influx of visitors will bring in plenty of money and showcase the island past this serious natural disaster.
In addition to supporting tourism on the island, Airbnb will also be donating all fees from bookings on the island to local recovery organizations. This will be the first active effort made by the company, though the home-rental service activated its disaster response tool during Hurricane Maria. The tool is rarely used but allows the company to contact individuals in the area to see if they have a couch of room available for those that are displaced.
Tourism-Boosting Relief Efforts
Airbnb and Puerto Rico are Working to Revitalize the Island
Trend Themes
1. Airbnb Experiences - The launch of new experiences in Puerto Rico by Airbnb provides an opportunity for local companies to offer unique tourism activities and tap into the growing experience economy.
2. Tourism Revitalization - The partnership between Airbnb and Puerto Rico presents an opportunity to revitalize the tourism industry on the island and attract more visitors, thereby boosting the local economy.
3. Disaster Response Tools - Companies like Airbnb can explore expanding and improving their disaster response tools to provide assistance and support during natural disasters, fostering a positive brand image.
Industry Implications
1. Hospitality - The launch of new Airbnb experiences and the focus on tourism revitalization in Puerto Rico offer opportunities for hotels, restaurants, and other tourism-related businesses to collaborate and benefit from increased visitor demand.
2. Travel and Tourism - The partnership between Airbnb and Puerto Rico highlights the potential for innovation and growth within the travel and tourism industry, as companies explore new ways to attract and cater to tourists.
3. Technology and Disaster Relief - The use of disaster response tools by Airbnb during Hurricane Maria opens up opportunities for technology companies to develop and improve technology solutions that aid in disaster relief efforts.