Airbnb Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan Endorsed
Airbnb has received formal endorsement of its first Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) from Reconciliation Australia as part of its commitment to making a tangible and ongoing contribution to a reconciled Australia.
The Innovate RAP will help Airbnb create new opportunities for our community to participate in meaningful reconciliation efforts that respect and recognise Indigenous peoples and cultures, and elevate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander voices.
Reconciliation Australia’s RAP Framework provides organisations with a structured approach to advance reconciliation. The four RAP types – Reflect, Innovate, Stretch and Elevate – allow organisations to continuously develop their reconciliation commitments.
As part of its Innovate RAP, Airbnb will further foster the creation of long-term mutually beneficial relationships, partnerships, and continue to develop a deeper understanding of reconciliation within Airbnb’s community, as we build on the strong foundations of our Reflect RAP, which was established in 2021.
Since then Airbnb has focused on practical efforts to bring the RAP to life in a meaningful way, including leading a First Nations Community Engagement with our hosts on the South Coast of New South Wales.
Susan Wheeldon, Airbnb Country Manager for Australia and New Zealand said: “I am extremely proud of the work we have done so far in establishing our Reflect RAP, which has provided many valuable lessons and has informed the next phase of our journey through our Innovate RAP objectives.
“We are committed to listening to and learning from diverse perspectives, and to using our platform to amplify the voices and cultural values of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and will develop bespoke reconciliation initiatives to drive tangible outcomes.
“We are continuing to engage with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and non-Indigenous communities to foster relationships built on trust and respect, so we can play a role in forging positive, lasting, beneficial respectful relationships with all Australians.
“This process is part of an ongoing journey that thoughtfully considers how we and our community can make an impactful contribution to a reconciled nation.”
Karen Mundine, Reconciliation Australia Chief Executive Officer, said: “We commend Airbnb on the formal endorsement of its inaugural Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan, which is a crucial and rewarding period in an organisation’s reconciliation journey.
“Airbnb is part of a strong network of more than 2,200 corporate, government, and not-for-profit organisations that have taken goodwill and intention and transformed it into action.
“By investigating and understanding the integral role it plays across its sphere of influence, Airbnb will create dynamic reconciliation outcomes, supported by and aligned with its business objectives.
“Congratulations Airbnb on your Innovate RAP and I look forward to following your ongoing reconciliation journey.”
To accompany the design used throughout the RAP document, artwork was commissioned by Charmaine Mumbulla, a Kaurna/Narungga woman and Sydney-based artist who is passionate about working on projects that support reconciliation and social justice.
Called ‘Belonging’, the artwork depicts the host at the heart of the Airbnb experience. The central motif represents people sharing their experiences and stories within the host’s home and community. A larger circle represents the broader Airbnb family, supporting the host and guest in this shared experience. Brightly coloured dots and circles on a midnight blue background capture the excitement of new experiences and hint at the adventures that await guests on their onward journey.
In developing our RAP, Airbnb worked with Arrilla Indigenous Consulting, a majority Indigenous owned and operated Supply Nation firm, as a key partner for advice and guidance.
Read the RAP in full here.
Acknowledgement of Country
Airbnb acknowledges the cultural Custodians and Traditional Owners of the lands and waterways on which we live, work, and travel throughout Australia. We acknowledge the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation, whose ancestors walked the lands upon which our office stands and whose descendants continue to reside upon.
We pay our respects to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders past and present, acknowledging them as Traditional Custodians of knowledge for Country, and we extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. We celebrate the enduring connections to Country, culture, and community, as well as the resilience, knowledge and stories of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.