Airbnb Launches Entrepreneurship Academy in Goa

Airbnb and Goa Tourism Department Launch Airbnb Entrepreneurship Academy

By Nishang Narayan

Published on December 8, 2024

Airbnb, in collaboration with the Department of Tourism, Government of Goa, has launched India’s first Airbnb Entrepreneurship Academy in Goa. The initiative, aimed at empowering individuals from diverse and underrepresented communities, was inaugurated in the presence of Rohan Khaunte, Minister for Tourism, Government of Goa, and Amanpreet Bajaj, General Manager, Airbnb India, Southeast Asia, Hong Kong, and Taiwan.

This academy, part of the existing Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Airbnb and the Goa Tourism Department, is designed to promote homestay tourism and build capacity among hospitality entrepreneurs across both urban and rural areas of Goa. The goal is to introduce participants to the world of hosting, equipping them with the necessary tools and knowledge to start their journey.

To date, the academy has trained 25 homestay owners through interactive workshops conducted in partnership with Global Himalayan Expedition (GHE) Impact Ventures. The first round of workshops took place at Miramar Residency, catering to participants from North Goa, with another round set for Madgaon in South Goa, targeting an additional 25 trainees.

Rohan Khaunte spoke about the importance of the homestay segment in promoting regenerative tourism, emphasizing its role in preserving Goa's rich culture and supporting the state's "Goa Beyond Beaches" vision. He highlighted the fiscal and non-fiscal incentives available for women, who are often the custodians of homestays, noting that this initiative would empower them and contribute to economic growth while showcasing Goa’s authentic experiences.

Suneel Anchipaka, Director of the Department of Tourism, Government of Goa, shared that the Airbnb Entrepreneurship Academy would empower Goan communities through tourism entrepreneurship. He noted that by providing essential skills, the initiative aligns with Goa’s vision of fostering inclusive growth and showcasing its authentic tourism experiences to the world.

The academy’s curriculum focuses on entrepreneurship, experiential learning, and community building, with an emphasis on the specific needs and growth opportunities within Goa's tourism landscape. Participants do not need to be current Airbnb hosts, but must have a passion for enhancing their hosting skills and building genuine connections with travelers. This opportunity offers financial independence while contributing to the local economy by turning spare rooms or properties into income-generating assets.

Amanpreet Bajaj, General Manager of Airbnb India, Southeast Asia, Hong Kong, and Taiwan, emphasized that the academy is a transformative initiative aimed at creating sustainable opportunities for local communities. He expressed Airbnb's commitment to cultivating a vibrant local tourism economy that benefits all, while enhancing the overall guest experience in Goa.

The launch of the Airbnb Entrepreneurship Academy marks a new chapter in Goa’s tourism ecosystem, fostering inclusive growth, responsible tourism, and sustainable development. Through this collaboration, Airbnb and the Goa Tourism Department are paving the way for a resilient tourism industry that empowers local communities and invites travelers to experience Goa beyond the conventional tourist hotspots.

IndiGo Focuses on Operational Stability, Plans Select Route Expansion

By Hariharan U

Published on January 3, 2026

IndiGo has outlined a cautious yet forward-looking approach as it prepares for the next phase of growth, placing strong emphasis on “operational reliability” while planning a limited set of international route additions. The airline said its immediate focus is to “stabilise operations” as it continues to strengthen capacity and network resilience.

As part of its international plans, IndiGo has announced the launch of non-stop services to Athens. This route will also mark the international debut of India’s first Airbus A321XLR, a new aircraft type expected to support the airline’s entry into fresh overseas markets as it gradually expands beyond short-haul operations.

Beyond Athens, the airline has not shared details of additional international destinations or capacity increases. IndiGo stated that it will continue to grow its international footprint while further densifying its domestic network, without outlining the pace or scale of expansion.

On the domestic front, the airline is also preparing to begin operations from Noida International Airport at Jewar, strengthening its presence in the National Capital Region once services commence.

Addressing recent operational challenges, IndiGo said it had swiftly restored normal operations following a temporary network disruption. The airline also confirmed that it is “fully collaborating and providing requested information to the regulator's committee” as part of an ongoing review by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation.

While IndiGo reiterated its long-term ambitions, including plans related to widebody aircraft and sustained growth, its near-term outlook remains measured. The airline said its renewed focus on stability will help drive future scale, innovation, and impact as it carefully explores new frontiers.

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Navi Mumbai Airport Sees 26,000+ Passengers in First Five Days

By Hariharan U

Published on January 1, 2026

Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) has made an impressive start, handling a total of 26,021 passengers in its first five days of operations. This includes 12,431 arrivals and 13,590 departures, showing strong demand right from day one.

Weekend traffic was particularly high, with 5,548 travellers on Saturday and 5,614 on Sunday, reflecting growing confidence among passengers. During this initial period, the airport managed 162 flight movements, 81 arrivals and 81 departures, while keeping on-time performance smooth for both airlines and ground services.

Currently, NMIA connects 13 major domestic destinations, including Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, Cochin, Coimbatore, Delhi, Goa (MOPA), Hyderabad, Jaipur, Lucknow, Mangalore, Nagpur, Vadodara. These connections cover key business and leisure hubs, giving travellers more options and conveand nience in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region.

Looking ahead, the airport plans to expand its network with additional destinations and increased flight frequencies in coordination with partner airlines. With strong early passenger response and ready infrastructure, NMIA is set to become a modern, seamless travel hub in Western India