IOC And Airbnb Announce Global Olympic Partnership

Airbnb and the International Olympic Committee have agreed a nine-year global partnership deal.

This agreement will now support the Olympic Movement and cover the IOC’s next five major global events until after the 2028 Olympic Games.

In a statement from Airbnb regarding the deal, they say this deal will play a role in helping the IOC achieve their sustainability objectives set out in the Olympic Agenda 2020.

The agreement includes accommodation provisions that will reduce costs for Olympic Games organisers and stakeholders, minimise the need for construction of new accommodation infrastructure for the Olympic Games period, and generate direct revenue for local hosts and communities.

They add that work will be done with the International Paralympic Committee to increase accommodation that supports accessibility for people with disabilities or other accessibility needs.

Airbnb Co-founder, Joe Gebbia said: “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.”

IOC President Thomas Bach said: “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.

“From this partnership there will also be direct benefit for athletes beyond the US $5 billion the IOC is distributing during this Olympiad for their benefit to Organising Committees and sports organisation around the world.”