Mumbai, Jun 8 (IANS): The Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC) in collaboration with community-driven online hospitality platform Airbnb on Friday launched a new programme in the state to boost micro-entrepreneurs in the hospitality sector.

The programme "Tourism Entrepreneurship Accelerator Programme" aims to drive economic growth in local communities by helping micro-entrepreneurs in the hospitality sector grow their business through four key pillars of support -- Training, Enabling, Access and Promotion.

"We are pleased to expand our partnership with Airbnb with the launch of the 'Tourism Entrepreneurship Accelerator Programme', which will help mentor and support budding entrepreneurs in hospitality sector and build a strong homestay network across key destinations," Maharashtra Tourism Minister Jaykumar Rawal said.

The programme will be launched first in Elephanta village where the MTDC and Airbnb will associate with the Gram Panchayat and identify 35 homes and get aligned with Airbnb standards.

The hosts of these homes would be the first set of entrepreneurs benefitting from this programme.

"Through our partnership signed last year, Airbnb and Maharashtra Tourism have worked together to train hundreds of micro-entrepreneurs across key tourism districts," said Amanpreet Bajaj, Head, Airbnb India.