DMAI and Airbnb Partner to Publish Policy & Trends Brief
October 10, 2016
The shared accommodations sector is here to stay, and instead of running away from it, Destination Marketing Association International (DMAI) has formed a unique partnership with Airbnb that will include a DMAI-issued Policy & Trends Brief that will focus on the shared accommodations sector of the sharing economy.
The Policy & Trends Brief, scheduled for release in December 2016, will examine the current state of the shared accommodations sector, its potential impact on communities, and public policy considerations for DMOs, as well as potential resolutions.
As travelers are provided with more choices in the way they book travel, DMOs must be informed about the rapidly expanding sharing economy, according to DMAI officials.
The goal of this brief is to help DMOs remain positive and confident in working with this sector of the visitor economy.
"Airbnb is proud to partner with DMAI and its member organizations,” said Chris Lehane, head of Global Policy and Communications, Airbnb. “We look forward to sharing our knowledge of the impact of the sharing economy on the travel sector."
The Policy & Trends Brief ultimately will provide a roadmap for destinations seeking to better understand the sharing economy and will include: questions that should be asked by a DMO; strategies to facilitate the integration of all aspects of the accommodations industry into the local economy and the destination brand, and more.
“Don and his team have executed on a tremendous new asset for DMAI’s members,” said Gary C. Sherwin, CDME, DMAI Chairman and President and CEO of Visit Newport Beach, Inc. “This partnership with Airbnb is the most recent example of how this team continues to deliver on its renewed commitment to members.”
DMAI and Airbnb share the goal of proactively working with destinations to understand the opportunities and practicalities of the sharing economy as it relates to the accommodations sector.
With this partnership and the Policy & Trends Brief, DMAI and Airbnb will be aligned in their work together as a one-stop resource for DMOs, according to DMAI officials.
“We look forward to working in partnership with the Airbnb team to develop an essential resource for our members,” said Don Welsh, DMAI president and CEO.
He added, “This is the first in a series of policy briefs by DMAI that will explore the potential implications, disruptions and opportunities the sharing economy presents within the travel and tourism industry.”
Partner Voices
MGM Resorts is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse culture, not just among employees and guests but also within its supply chain. The company prioritizes procuring goods and services from businesses owned by minorities, women, veterans, people with disabilities, LGBTQ individuals and those facing economic disadvantages. This commitment is integral to MGM Resorts' global procurement strategy.
Through its voluntary supplier diversity program, MGM Resorts actively identifies and connects certified diverse-owned suppliers to opportunities within its supply chain. The company is on track to spend at least 15% of its biddable procurement with diverse-owned businesses by 2025, demonstrating that supplier diversity is not only a social responsibility but also a strategic business imperative.
Supplier diversity isn’t just the right thing to do – it’s good for business. A diverse supply chain allows access to a broader range of perspectives and experience, helping to drive innovation, entrepreneurship and resilience, while strengthening communities. At MGM Resorts, engaging diverse suppliers ensures best-in-class experiences for guests and clients. Supplier diversity ensures a more resilient supply chain while supporting economic development in the communities in which it operates.
The impact of MGM Resorts' supplier diversity initiatives is significant. In 2023, these efforts supported over 3,500 jobs across more than 30 states, contributed over $214 million in income for diverse-owned businesses and generated more than $62 million in tax revenue. The story extends beyond the numbers – it reflects the tangible benefits brought to small and diverse-owned businesses, fostering economic empowerment in their communities.
MGM Resorts also supports the development and business skills of diverse-owned businesses through investment, mentorship and education. Through the MGM Resorts Supplier Diversity Mentorship Program, the company identifies, mentors and develops diverse-owned businesses to fill its future pipeline, while providing businesses with tools and resources to empower and uplift. Since 2017, the program has successfully graduated 105 diverse-owned businesses and is on track to achieve its goal of 150 graduates by 2025.
MGM Resorts’ commitment to supplier diversity not only enhances its business operations but also plays a crucial role in uplifting communities and fostering economic development. This approach reinforces the idea that diversity is a powerful driver of innovation and resilience, benefiting both the company and the wider community.
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