This is not the first collaboration between both organizations. In 2023, Airbnb funded the creation of an accessible beach in Costa Rica, reaffirming its commitment to inclusive tourism.
Carlos Muñoz, Director of Public Policy for Airbnb Central America and the Caribbean, highlighted: “Partnerships like the one we have with the Costa Rican Network of Accessible Tourism allow us to continue promoting more inclusive tourism, offering options that ensure a comfortable and accessible travel experience for everyone. Through these collaborations, we continue implementing innovative solutions that improve accessibility and ensure that every visitor can enjoy the best experience.”
The Airbnb Community Fund, launched in 2020, aims to strengthen local communities worldwide. To date, it has distributed over $25 million among organizations in 60 countries. In 2024, more than 35 nonprofit organizations across 10 Latin American countries received donations totaling more than $1 million.
In Costa Rica, besides the Costa Rican Network of Accessible Tourism, other organizations have also benefited from the Airbnb Community Fund. For example, Abriendo Mentes, which empowers children and adults through education and community development programs in rural areas, and CoopeSolidar R.L., which works with small-scale fishing organizations to improve their communities’ quality of life and promote conservation.
Founded in 2017, the Costa Rican Network of Accessible Tourism is a nonprofit association working to make Costa Rica a fully accessible destination for everyone. Its fundamental pillars are information, verification, and training in accessible tourism.
One of its most notable projects is DONATAPA, which aims to create accessible beaches by recycling plastic bottle caps. To date, thanks to this project and the support of the Costa Rican Tourism Institute and private businesses, 15 accessible beaches have been established on both coasts of the country.
Airbnb has implemented various innovations to facilitate the search and booking of accessible accommodations. These include specific search filters for accessibility features and the Accessibility Review, which requires hosts to upload photos of each accessibility feature, verified by Airbnb before the listing is published.
Globally, the Airbnb Community Fund has distributed over $25 million since its inception, benefiting organizations in 60 countries. The collaboration with the Costa Rican Network of Accessible Tourism is an example of Airbnb’s commitment to promoting inclusive and accessible tourism for all.
