The Pueblos Project: supporting rural Spain
In 2025, Airbnb launched the Pueblos Project, a $50 million investment in initiatives that will help disperse tourism across Spain and drive economic development in local communities. By investing in smaller cities and towns throughout the country, the Pueblos Project will help revitalize Spain's rural areas, and deliver direct benefits to local residents, small businesses, and local entrepreneurs. The Pueblos Project supports these communities by offering direct grants to organizations that are working to improve infrastructure in rural areas and favorable financing to help local businesses and entrepreneurs.
One component of the Pueblos Project is an investment in the creation and revitalization of more housing. For example, as part of the Pueblos Project, Airbnb has already awarded one grant to support the Triángulo del Agua in Calatayud. In a region where the Monasterio de Piedra draws more than 320,000 visitors a year, many of whom visit solely for the day, ADRI Calatayud's project aims to turn a pass-through destination into a place to stay overnight. An essential part of this work is ensuring permanent residents can live and work in the region, and support travelers who are exploring this dynamic part of Spain. Airbnb’s support will help turn two buildings in Godojos into rental homes for families who come to live and work in the area.
This project is only one of the kinds of initiatives that the Pueblos Project will support. Going forward, the Pueblos Project will welcome grant applications from organizations across Spain that demonstrate the potential to strengthen rural communities. Airbnb will fund the selected projects and support grantees as projects are implemented.
In addition to awarding grants, Airbnb has also made donations to associations that promote rural development in areas such as housing, entrepreneurship, and sustainable tourism, including the Spanish Federation for Rural Development (REDR),the Association of Families and Women in Rural Areas (AFAMMER).
“We want rural communities in Spain to thrive, and we are excited to support organizations that will make it easier for families to call these incredible places home.”
Jaime Rodríguez de Santiago, General Manager for Airbnb Marketing Services in Spain and Portugal