Airbnb the Official Hosting provider of Special Olympics Berlin 2023

Airbnb has announced an agreement to become the Official Hosting partner of the Special Olympics World Games Berlin 2023. 

The Special Olympics World Games is expected to attract more than 300,000 spectators to the city from around the world, as well as around 7,000 athletes from 190 nations and territories. Airbnb and the Special Olympics are encouraging locals from Berlin to welcome the influx of visitors and become a part of the Games while earning additional income. 

Airbnb will provide a platform for fans to book accommodation in Berlin and contribute additional funds to the Special Olympics movement for every stay booked through the partner link.

Airbnb welcomes guests from all over the world in Berlin to celebrate

The Special Olympics World Games is the world’s largest inclusive sports event and will take place in Berlin from June 17-25, 2023. The event celebrates the talents, abilities, and achievements of athletes with intellectual disabilities from all around the world and supports them not only through sports, but also through health, education and skills programs, on their way to greater recognition and empowerment. 

Anticipation for the Games is already high, as shown by recent data from Airbnb: searches for Berlin for June 17-25 have almost doubled from the month of January to March. Most guests who want to stay in accommodation on Airbnb during the event this year come from Germany, followed by the United States, the United Kingdom, France and Australia.

As a company that values Diversity and Belonging, Airbnb is proud to support this important event and provide accommodation for fans. One-in-seven people in the world have some form of disability. Airbnb has always been committed to making travel accessible to all, and the partnership with the Special Olympics World Games aligns with this mission. As the official hosting partner of the Special Olympics World Games Berlin 2023, Airbnb looks forward to bringing people together in Berlin to celebrate the power of inclusion, diversity, and athleticism.

’’We believe that everyone, regardless of their abilities, should have the opportunity to travel, explore new places, and experience different cultures. As the official hosting partner of the Special Olympics World Games in Berlin, we are proud to support inclusive travel and demonstrate our commitment to accessibility and inclusion. We are excited to welcome athletes, families, and fans from around the world to celebrate this momentous event in Berlin.”

Suzanne Edwards, Standards Lead Equity & Accessibility, Airbnb.

’’For the Special Olympics 2023, several 100,000 fans will travel to Berlin to cheer on the athletes. By opening their homes to  guests, hosts on Airbnb enable fans to stay in affordable accommodations and experience the city in an authentic way. Airbnb guests who book their accommodations through the Special Olympics website are also doing a good thing, as the Special Olympics Movement receives a contribution for each booking. We’re excited to help make these Games the greatest yet.”

Kathrin Anselm, General Manager DACH, CEE & CIS at Airbnb

’’We are pleased to have Airbnb as a strong partner for the Special Olympics World Games in Berlin. This opens up further opportunities for accessible accommodations and travel for people with intellectual disabilities. In this way, our aim is to promote societal participation and inclusion, even beyond the World Games.”

Albert Tuemann Chief of Marketing and Communication, Special Olympics World Games

’’The capital is looking forward to an international, colorful festival of sport – for more recognition and social participation of people with intellectual disabilities. Guests traveling to Berlin can now find out about Berlin’s opportunities as an inclusive destination in a new guide in simple language. The guide is available on the visit Berlin website”

Reisen für alle, visitBerlin DMO spokesperson

’’The capital is looking forward to an international, colorful festival of sport – for more recognition and social participation of people with intellectual disabilities. Guests traveling to Berlin can now find out about Berlin’s opportunities as an inclusive destination in a new guide in simple language. The guide is available on the visit Berlin website”

Albert Tuemann, Marketing-Chef des Organisationskomitees der Special Olympics World Games 2023

Airbnb calls on Hosts in Berlin to share their home during the Games

From Olympic Games through to political summits and the world’s biggest entertainment moments, Airbnb has a long history of helping cities accommodate large events, while generating benefits for local families and communities. Home sharing allows cities to flexibly increase the number of guests they can accommodate without expensive building and infrastructure projects, providing a more sustainable way of accommodating a surge in visitors.

For anyone interested in sharing their home with guests, Airbnb has made it easier than ever to get started. To find out more about hosting on Airbnb, visit our Hosting website. 

Airbnb calls on Berlin locals who consider opening their homes to think of small features that can make a big difference in making their home more accessible for all. As a design-driven company, Airbnb is also committed to continuously improving the accessibility of its platform and user interface. Last May, Airbnb introduced the Adapted category, including 1,100  listings worldwide with confirmed accessibility features, as well as Enhanced search filters. 

Berliners are also invited to show guests the city’s many accessible attractions during the Games. For this purpose, visitBerlin’s new guide, which has now been published in simple language, will be sent to hosts in Berlin on Airbnb so that Berliners and their guests can enjoy Berlin’s rich diversity.

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About Special Olympics World Games

The Special Olympics World Games Berlin 2023 are the world’s largest inclusive sports event. 7,000 athletes with intellectual disabilities come together to compete in 26 sports. Nine days of exciting and inspiring competitions, festivities and celebrations, by athletes and for athletes. Through the power of sport and the emotions of the athletes, Special Olympics and its programs contribute to positively influencing the everyday lives of people with intellectual disabilities. With the overarching goal of social change, our partners help promote acceptance and inclusion, ensure accessibility and healthcare, and shape attitudes and mindsets.

About Airbnb 

Airbnb was born in 2007 when two Hosts welcomed three guests to their San Francisco home, and has since grown to over 4 million Hosts who have welcomed 1.4 billion guest arrivals in almost every country across the globe. Every day, Hosts offer unique stays and experiences that make it possible for guests to connect with communities in a more authentic way.