Program Overview and Objectives
In an effort to bolster the tourism, gastronomic, and artisanal sectors in Jalisco, Mexico, the Consejo Coordinador de Mujeres Empresarias (CCME) and Airbnb have launched the FORTALEZZA TURISTICO program. This initiative offers free training to 120 local women entrepreneurs, aiming to strengthen their businesses and enhance competitiveness. Airbnb will promote the participants’ products, such as traditional foods and artisanal crafts, in their properties, particularly those managed by female hosts.
Training Details
- The eight-week program will take place on Saturdays from 9 to 12 in Tlaquepaque, known as Jalisco’s pottery capital.
- The training aims to create a network of women entrepreneurs, artisans, and culinary experts connected through Airbnb’s platform.
- By enhancing the visibility of these women’s products, the program seeks to boost their sales and overall business success.
CCME Founder’s Vision and Context
Sofía Pérez Gasque Muslera, the founder of CCME, expressed her aspirations to El Economista. She aims for Jalisco to serve as a pilot program, which can then be replicated in Quintana Roo and Baja California.
“Our goal is to gather more hosts in major tourist centers with significant Airbnb impact, enabling them to purchase from artisans and entrepreneurs. As these women are highly-rated on the platform, their properties will attract more visitors.”
According to Pérez Gasque Muslera, data from the National Institute of Statistics and Geography (Inegi) indicates that over eight million women in Mexico work in the informal sector, with many engaged in artisanal and traditional culinary activities.
In the artisan sector, an estimated 7 out of 10 producers are women, particularly in states like Oaxaca, Chiapas, Puebla, and Michoacán. Similarly, traditional Mexican cuisine, recognized by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage, is predominantly managed by women, with more than 60% of registered traditional cooks being women over 40 years old.
Airbnb reports that 50% of its hosts in Mexico are women, one of the highest female participation rates globally on the platform.
Economic Impact and Future Prospects
In 2023, women hosts in Mexico generated an average annual income of 90,000 pesos, with higher earnings in popular tourist destinations like Oaxaca, Mexico City, Quintana Roo, and Jalisco.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the FORTALEZZA TURISTICO program? It’s a free eight-week training initiative by CCME and Airbnb to empower women entrepreneurs in Jalisco’s tourism, gastronomy, and artisan sectors.
- Who are the target participants? The program aims to benefit 120 women entrepreneurs involved in traditional food production and artisanal crafts.
- What are the program’s objectives? The initiative seeks to strengthen participants’ businesses, enhance competitiveness, and promote their products through Airbnb’s platform.
- Why is Jalisco the pilot location? CCME founder Sofía Pérez Gasque Muslera aims to replicate the program in other major tourist destinations like Quintana Roo and Baja California after establishing its success in Jalisco.
- What is the current status of women in Mexico’s informal sector? Over eight million women work in the informal sector, with many engaged in artisanal and culinary activities.
- How does Airbnb support women hosts? Airbnb reports that 50% of its hosts in Mexico are women, one of the highest female participation rates globally on the platform.
- What are the average earnings for women hosts in Mexico? In 2023, women hosts in Mexico generated an average annual income of 90,000 pesos.
