On August 12, 2021, Airbnb announces its partnership with UNESCO to promote cultural tourism.
But is it really an alliance to enhance sustainable tourism?
There are no saints, not even in tourism!
Airbnb and UNESCO have loudly announced their partnership for sustainable tourism in Mexico. But was it really a collaboration aimed at protecting the environment and local communities?
“Collaborative economy models provide excellent alternatives to combat excessive consumption, waste and unemployment, problems that the 2030 Agenda urges to be resolved to achieve a form of sustainable development and complete the profound transformation necessary to avoid new global emergencies such as the COVID pandemic -19.”
Frédéric Vacheron, UNESCO representative in Mexico
Sustainability? Let’s talk about.
Airbnb is a tourism giant that exploits local hosts to strengthen tourist flows by encouraging the transformation from private homes into tourist facilities. This action is known for its negative impact on historic centers and local communities, encouraging the depopulation of entire cities such as in Venice, to create “Diffused Hotels” which compete with normal tourist activities such as certified hotels and B&Bs.
With this news, Airbnb proclaims itself as a champion of responsible tourism. But will it be true?
Their words:
- “Tourist innovation”
- “Social inclusion”
- “Sustainable Development”
- “Protection of cultural heritage”
Our questions:
Inclusion for whom? For the tourists who land en masse in small communities, overwhelming their cultures and traditions?
Sustainable Development? For whose pockets? Certainly not for those of the inhabitants who are forced to increase rent prices to survive.
Protection of cultural heritage? With hordes of tourists trampling on archaeological sites and monuments without the slightest respect?
BEWARE, don’t be fooled!
Behind the mask of “sustainable tourism” there is often the usual business that also circumvents local regulations and laws to create new economies.
UNESCO should monitor, not endorse.
We don’t need proclamations, we need concrete actions:
- Limit the number of tourists in fragile areas. (Limite il numero di turisti nelle zone fragili)
- Promote responsible tourism that enhances local cultures. (Promuovi un turismo responsabile che valorizzi le culture locali)
- Protects cultural heritage and the environment. (Tutela i beni culturali e l’ambiente)
Enough greenwashing!
True sustainable tourism is not a publicity stunt, but a concrete commitment for a better future.
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Together we can change things.