Applications for Airbnb500 opened on January 30 and will be available to all Olympic and Paralympic athletes competing at Milano Cortina 2026. The program is part of Airbnb’s broader $40 million global commitment to athlete travel, concrete support provided through the Airbnb Athlete Travel Grant and the Airbnb500 initiative.
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Added to this is a new collection of Athlete-led Experiences, designed to introduce enthusiasts to the world of Olympic and Paralympic sports.
Airbnb, Global Partner of the Games, continues to put athletes at the center
As a Worldwide Partner of the Olympic and Paralympic Games, Airbnb remains focused on putting athletes at the heart of the journey to Milano Cortina 2026: from preparation and qualification to competition, recovery, and the post-Games phase.
This approach is part of the platform’s multi-year, $40 million commitment from 2020 to 2028, together with the IOC and the IPC, through two main programs:
Airbnb Athlete Travel Grant and Airbnb500
Since their introduction, these programs have helped over 30,000 athletes in more than 100 countries, offering accommodation and travel solutions designed for those who experience high-level sport on a daily basis.
Airbnb500 opens applications for Milano Cortina 2026
As the Games approach, Airbnb500 enters a new phase. Starting January 30, Olympic and Paralympic athletes will be able to register for the $500 contribution dedicated to Milano Cortina 2026 participants.
The funds can be used to celebrate their achievements, recover after competitions, or travel after the competitions.
Following the success of the Tokyo 2020, Beijing 2022, and Paris 2024 Olympics, the program has already supported more than 18,000 athletes worldwide.
The Airbnb Athlete Travel Grant: Support from the earliest stages of preparation
In addition to Airbnb500, the platform continues to support athletes through the Airbnb Athlete Travel Grant Each year, 1,000 athletes receive a $2,000 grant for Airbnb accommodations related to travel for competitions or training.
The goal is to ease the financial burden of travel while offering a welcoming and familiar place even away from home: a factor that can significantly impact training routines, physical recovery, and mental well-being.
Athlete Testimonies: The Voice of Those Who Experience Sport on the Field
Jacopo Luchini, para snowboarder and surfer
Jacopo Luchini, a three-time World Cup winner, explains how the program helped him during his training periods between surfing and snowboarding.
“Thanks to the Airbnb Athlete Travel Grant,” he explains, “I was able to spend months in Indonesia, training in remote places like Java and even preparing at high altitude. Finding homes surrounded by nature allowed me to find focus and serenity ahead of the competitions.”
Andrea Macrì, veteran of the national para ice hockey team
Andrea Macrì, currently competing in his fifth Paralympic Games, also emphasizes the value of the support:
“Living in Turin but often training in Varese, this contribution is essential. It allows me to prepare with greater peace of mind and to count on comfortable accommodation, essential for recharging my batteries and returning to the ice in top form.”
Airbnb Experiences: Athletes Get Closer to Fans Than Ever
In anticipation of Milano Cortina 2026, Airbnb has launched 26 new Experiences led by Olympic and Paralympic athletes. Activities range from cooking classes, skiing and skating sessions, to unique experiences like watching a final with a champion.
From a wellness day with Dorothea Wierer to skating with Arianna Fontana, from figure skating finals with Nathan Chen to a shopping tour with Gus Kenworthy, and training sessions with Paralympic champions like Dani Aravich and Jacopo Luchini, each offering offers fans an authentic connection to sporting excellence.
A constant commitment to the athletes in view of the Games
As Milano Cortina 2026 approaches, Airbnb renews its support for athletes on and off the field, accompanying them every step of the way and helping them feel at home wherever they are.
