State-owned Government Savings Bank (GSB) will offer special loans to homestay operators, and Airbnb will help these operators access travellers through the accommodation-sharing giant's platform. The partnership between GSB and Airbnb for homestay owners is a pilot project that will extend to other hospitality entrepreneurs later, said bank president and chief executive Chatchai Payuhanaveechai. Airbnb will train GSB officials to equip them with skills to navigate its global platform and impart knowledge to homestay owners who borrow under the scheme. It is a mission of the bank to strengthen the grassroots economy by creating jobs and markets for these people to boost their income, Mr Chatchai said. "Local homestays are increasingly integral to the development of our tourism industry and communities," Mr Chatchai said.

Source: Bangkok Post May 17, 2019 23:48 UTC