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December 4, 2024 | 11:24 am
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Airbnb and UNESCO announced the launch of the first-ever Cultural Ambassador Program in Bali. This initiative, which aligns with UNESCO’s long-standing commitment to safeguarding cultural heritage and Airbnb’s vision for responsible tourism, aims to equip local Airbnb hosts and homestay owners with the tools to become skilled cultural ambassadors, the UN agency said on Wednesday, December 4.
The program will share the island’s rich tapestry of traditions, cultural heritage, and natural beauty with travelers through authentic storytelling and education. It builds upon insights from an Airbnb study revealing that travelers in the Asia-Pacific region crave authentic cultural experiences, which shows 73% of travelers value local recommendations from Airbnb hosts. More than 90 percent of travelers surveyed express interest in visiting local historical sites, are likely to support the preservation of local cultural and historical assets and are keen to attend cultural events.
"Through Airbnb, thousands of people from around the world are brought together, united by a shared love of travel," said Amanpreet Bajaj, General Manager of Airbnb Southeast Asia, India, Hong Kong, and Taiwan.
To ensure the program authentically represents Bali’s heritage, UNESCO and its implementing partner, ViaVia Travel, conducted a comprehensive cultural mapping across five regions—Tabanan, Gianyar, Bangli, Buleleng, and Badung—between August and December. The mapping explored local foods, arts and crafts, traditions, and historical sites, bringing celebrated and lesser-known cultural treasures into focus.
“Bali’s cultural heritage is a treasure that reflects centuries of tradition, creativity, and resilience,” said Maki Katsuno-Hayashikawa, Director and Representative of UNESCO Regional Office Jakarta. “Through this partnership with Airbnb, we aim to ensure that this invaluable heritage is shared respectfully and responsibly, fostering cultural pride and sustainable tourism that benefits local communities.”
The findings from the cultural mapping will be shared with 75 local Airbnb homestay owners and 50 small tourism enterprises (SMEs) during an online workshop and mentoring sessions. These initiatives will equip participants with the skills and confidence to share Bali’s cultural heritage with travelers. "I am passionate about sharing Balinese culture with guests who stay in my home through Airbnb," said Ayu Martiasih, an Airbnb Host Club Leader from Bali.
By 2025, UNESCO and Airbnb plan to release a comprehensive guide for homestay owners and SMEs. Additionally, a traveler-friendly guide will be made available to visitors, offering insights on preserving cultural and historical assets in the Asia-Pacific region.
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