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Airbnb has joined the Olympic and Paralympic corporate partnership line-up, after announcing a nine-year deal with the International Olympic Committee (IOC).

The US$500 million sponsorship will see Airbnb support the Olympic Movement through to 2028 and across five Olympic Games, with the goal of creating a new standard for hosting that will be a win for host cities, spectators, fans and athletes.

Advising that the partnership aligns with Olympic Agenda 2020 and the IOC’s strategic roadmap for the future to support the sustainability objectives of the Olympic Movement,

IOC President, Thomas Bach stated “this innovative partnership underpins our strategy to ensure that the efficient staging of the Olympic Games is sustainable and leaves a legacy for the host community.

“With Airbnb’s support, we will also develop new opportunities for athletes around the world to develop their own direct revenue streams through the promotion of physical activity and the Olympic values.

“Through this partnership, there will also be a direct benefit for athletes over and above the USD 5 billion the IOC is distributing during this Olympiad for their benefit to Organising Committees and sports organisations around the world.”

The partnership is reportedly set to generate hundreds of thousands of new hosts for Airbnb over nine years and give community residents the opportunities to earn extra income by providing accommodation and local experiences to visiting fans, athletes and other members of the Olympic Movement.

Airbnb co-founder, Joe Gebbia, said this partnership aligns the values of community, inclusion and sustainability to leave a lasting legacy for athletes and Games hosts, commenting “Airbnb and the IOC have a strong track record in creating and accommodating the world’s greatest events.

“Our Olympic partnership will ensure that the Games are the most inclusive, accessible and sustainable yet, and leave a lasting positive legacy for athletes and host communities.

“Airbnb’s mission is to create a world where anyone can belong anywhere, and we are proud that the Olympic spirit will be carried by our community.”

A major component of the partnership is the launch of Airbnb Olympian Experiences, which will work to provide direct earning opportunities for athletes, underlining the IOC’s efforts to support athletes and put them at the heart of the Olympic Movement.

This program will include everything from the chance to train with an Olympian, to exploring a city with an elite athlete in an effort to promote sport and physical activity further.

The IOC has stated it will make at least $41 million worth of Airbnb accommodation available over the course of the partnership to athletes competing at the Olympic and Paralympic Games for competition and training related travel.

IOC Athletes’ Commission chair, Kirsty Coventry, said it is exciting to see a corporate partnership set to benefit athletes directly in multiple ways, adding “on behalf of the Athletes’ Commission, I am delighted that our new global agreement with Airbnb will benefit the athletes directly.

“This includes direct revenue opportunities from sharing their passion for sport through Airbnb Olympian Experiences, as well as direct support for their accommodation needs.

“We work to empower athletes around the world on and off the field of play, and this agreement is another example of how we are supporting and advocating for athletes throughout their career.”

Under its nine-year deal as a global partner, Airbnb is set to support the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020, the Olympic Winter Games Beijing 2022, the Olympic Games Paris 2024, the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026 and the Olympic Games Los Angeles 2028.

Image: Airbnb co-founder, Joe Gebbia with IOC President Thomas Bach. 

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