International Olympic Committee and Airbnb joined forces to increase accessibility
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) and Airbnb announced a significant agreement to support the Olympic Movement through to 2028. The nine-year, five-Games partnership is designed to create a new standard for hosting that will be a win for host cities, a win for spectators and fans, and a win for athletes.
In line with the Olympic Agenda 2020, the IOC’s strategic roadmap for the future, and Airbnb’s mission to promote sustainable travel, the agreement will support the sustainability objectives of the Olympic Movement. These joint efforts will be in line with the UN Sustainable Development Goals to provide travel options that are economically empowering, socially inclusive and environmentally sustainable.
The agreement includes accommodation provisions that will reduce costs for Olympic Games organizers and stakeholders, minimize the need for construction of new accommodation infrastructure for the Olympic Games period, and generate direct revenue for local hosts and communities. Working together with the International Paralympic Committee (IPC), Airbnb will work to increase accommodation that supports accessibility for people with disabilities.
Nine-year agreement covers the next five editions of the Paralympic Games in Tokyo 2020, Beijing 2022, Paris 2024, Milano Cortina 2026 and Los Angeles 2028.
Airbnb will continue its work to grow and promote accommodation with accessible features to enable people with disabilities or accessibility needs to find stays that fit their requirements.
In collaboration with the IPC, Airbnb will enable Para athletes to share their passion with people around the world via its Experiences platform, providing direct earning opportunities, and underlining the IPC’s efforts to support Para athletes and to put them at the heart of the Paralympic Movement.
featuring some of the world’s best Paralympians at iconic landmarks in the host city of 2020 Paralympic Games (Source)
Andrew Parsons, IPC President, said: “This fantastic partnership with Airbnb will bring huge advantages to the Paralympic Movement, creating revenue and accommodation opportunities for Para athletes and giving the IPC an opportunity to work with Airbnb’s global community to further accessible accommodation around the world. Airbnb’s philosophy also supports the work the IPC is undertaking to advance the Sustainable Development Goals, making for a more inclusive world for all”.
Airbnb Co-founder, Joe Gebbia said: "Airbnb's mission is to create a world where anyone can belong anywhere. Together with our host community and the International Paralympic Committee, we will ensure the next five Olympic and Paralympic Games are the most accessible yet”.