Airbnb has officially been welcomed as a member of the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO),
It is arguably the clearest sign yet that the home sharing platform has gone legit – or is at least tolerated by the global tourism industry.
It was welcomed as an affiliate member by UNWTO Secretary-General Taleb Rifai, and will participate during the UNWTO Seminar on ‘New Business Models’ at the 60th meeting of the UNWTO Commission for Europe, in Lithuania on May 25.
"Airbnb is helping to grow and diversify tourism and democratize its benefits for more families, communities and local businesses," said Chris Lehane, global head of public affairs at Airbnb.
"We are excited to work with UNWTO and global leaders to harness the positive impacts of travel to activate new communities and bring the world a little closer together."
The UNWTO has about 480 affiliate members from private sector tourism businesses, educational institutions, tourism associations and tourism authorities.
