Airbnb has partnered with the Interior Ministry's Department of Local Administration (DLA) and Government Savings Bank (GSB) to promote and train homestay operators nationwide.
Launched in 2018, the Airbnb-DLA "Empowering Local Tourism Entrepreneurs" partnership trained and recruited existing homestay operators onto Airbnb's platform.
Airbnb partnered with GSB in May to further build homestay capacity through hospitality and host training, as well as provide flexible rate loans and instalment plans for owners to upgrade their homestays.
Since 2018, over 740 local homestays have been listed on Airbnb through both partnerships. The global hospitality platform connects Thai hospitality entrepreneurs to its marketplace network and links homestay owners with over 500 million guests worldwide.
Mich Goh, Airbnb's head of public policy for Southeast Asia, said Airbnb is committed to continue working with valued partners to help the government empower hospitality entrepreneurs and build a quality hospitality supply.
Despite this cooperation between Airbnb and the government, short-term stays at Airbnb residences without a hotel licence are still illegal, with many operating in a legal grey area.
Homestays in more than 60 provinces around Thailand are now available on the Airbnb platform.
The top destinations where these homestays are located are Buri Ram, Saraburi, Ubon Ratchathani, Roi Et and Rayong.
The partnership is in line with the government's push to attract more tourists to second-tier cities and rural provinces.
Suttipong Juljarern, director-general of the DLA, said the joint efforts have helped connect hundreds of local homestays with overseas guests and created additional income for hospitality entrepreneurs in communities across Thailand.
"We will continue to build a comprehensive tourism ecosystem that upskills and uplifts locals, strengthens communities and improves livelihoods and living standards nationwide," he said.
Chatchai Payuhanaveechai, GSB's president and chief executive, said the bank looks forward to continued collaboration to equip homestay owners so that they can provide the best hospitality experience for visitors.
GSB provides funding and training to encourage long-term growth of local hospitality entrepreneurs.