Introduction
Guadalajara, Jalisco. To strengthen the entrepreneurial skills, leadership, and self-confidence among artisans and restaurant owners, the Consejo Coordinador de Mujeres Empresarias (CCME) and the technology platform Airbnb have presented the “Fortaleza Turística” program.
Program Overview
The “Fortaleza Turística” program aims to enhance the competitiveness of this sector while professionalizing businesses and fostering economic independence for women, according to Sofía Pérez Gasque, the founder of CCME and project promoter.
Pérez Gasque highlighted that in Mexico, nine million women are involved in the tourism sector, with 50% being artisans. However, there is a significant level of informality in their work.
Addressing Informality and Promoting Gender-Perspective Economic Development
The CCME and Airbnb aim to mitigate informality while promoting gender-perspective economic development, Pérez Gasque Muslera explained. In Jalisco, the program started with 120 women who will receive training and be connected to Airbnb host communities.
Creating a Virtuous Economic Network
“With Fortaleza Turística, we are creating a virtuous economic network, a community of artisans and cooks connected with each other and a broader business sector, so they can sell more, grow, and positively impact their businesses and families,” Pérez Gasque detailed.
Airbnb’s Role
Sebastián Colín, Airbnb’s Director of Public Affairs and Government Relations, mentioned that this is the first time Airbnb has collaborated on a similar project in Latin America.
Importance of Tourism Collaboration
For Airbnb, collaborating in tourism-related actions is crucial. The partnership with the “Fortaleza Turística” program can become a driver not only of economic development but also of inclusion, particularly empowering women entrepreneurs in micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises across the entire value chain.
Leveraging Technology for Effective Connections
Airbnb plans to use technology to effectively link micro and small entrepreneurs, turning them into recommendation leaders or tourism ambassadors. This alliance is especially relevant as Jalisco prepares for the upcoming FIFA World Cup, ensuring that travelers visiting the state and its destinations also contribute to this investment motor.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the “Fortaleza Turística” program? It’s a collaboration between CCME and Airbnb to strengthen the entrepreneurial skills of artisans and restaurant owners in Jalisco, enhancing their competitiveness and professionalizing their businesses.
- Who are the target groups for this program? The program focuses on artisans and cooks in Jalisco, aiming to connect them with Airbnb host communities for growth and development.
- What role does Airbnb play in this initiative? Airbnb contributes by leveraging its technology platform to connect and empower women entrepreneurs, turning them into tourism ambassadors and fostering inclusive development.
- Why is this partnership significant for Jalisco? This collaboration is crucial as Jalisco prepares to host the upcoming FIFA World Cup, ensuring that tourism contributes to economic growth and investment.
