Quietly, without an official announcement and only a post on its website, Airbnb is reintroducing the option for hosts to offer Experiences.
Back in April 2023, the platform stopped offering Experiences, but more than a year later, and four months ahead of the 2025 schedule, they are finally bringing them back.
The news was mostly spread through LinkedIn after some people spotted the update on Airbnb’s website.
“Oh my god… has Airbnb reopened Experiences to new hosts? From the looks of their website…yes!” wrote Mitch Bach, CEO and co-founder of TripSchool, which runs training programs for tour operators and tour guides.
Airbnb Experiences affordable and unique
Airbnb, while not officially announcing the return of Experiences, confirmed the event to PhocusWire. The statement stressed that it is “happy” to reopen submissions for Experiences.
“Our goal is to provide guests with a diverse, unique selection of experiences that authentically reflect the culture and community of cities around the world,” the company said, adding:
“As Airbnb co-founder and CEO Brian Chesky mentioned in the latest analyst update on our second quarter financial results, we are excited about the future of Experiences and look forward to sharing more soon.”
A year and a half ago, the booking platform eliminated approximately 5,000 individual tours and Experience listings that were not generating enough bookings and did not meet the company’s standards.
Now Airbnb is bringing back this service, aiming for immersive experiences such as tours and activities with hosts and/or local people.
Brian Chesky has stated that the platform wants Experiences that are more accessible and unique.
Airbnb expansion moves
Airbnb is positioning Experiences as a way to help it expand beyond its core short-term rental offering and diversify into “services that will make guests’ stay at Airbnbs better.”
Bloomberg reported in August that the company is reportedly considering adding luxury-style services such as personal chefs, massages, in-stay cleaning, easier check-in and spa services to attract an audience that would typically opt for hotels.
In addition, Airbnb plans to introduce a co-hosting marketplace, which will “unlock untapped inventory and connect homeowners who don’t have time to manage their listings with those who do.”
Airbnb’s Help Center says, currently, Experiences are designed to be “highly unique and interactive,” enabling tourists and visitors to have a more intimate, personal and immersive experience beyond simply staying in short-term rental accommodations.
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