Until a few years ago, a well-designed property and the right price were enough to secure high occupancy rates on Airbnb. Today, however, travelers are looking for more than just a beautiful place to stay. They want to live authentic experiences, get to know the destination like locals, and enjoy services that make their holidays truly special.
This shift in guest behavior has created a significant opportunity for short-term rental owners. With the right additional services and experiences, a property can not only increase its revenue but also gain a competitive advantage, improve its reviews, and build loyal guests who will return again.
From private chefs and wine tastings to excursions, yoga sessions, and collaborations with local professionals, the options are many. The key is to choose those that match the profile of your property and offer real value to guests.
What additional experiences are worth offering?
The options available are countless and can be tailored to the style and location of your Airbnb. The most popular categories include:
Gastronomy and tasting experiences
A professional chef can prepare traditional recipes or a gourmet menu inside the property, offering an experience that guests can hardly find in a hotel. This is one of the most popular options, especially in villas and luxury accommodations. In addition, local cooking classes or wine tasting evenings featuring premium Greek wines offer an authentic taste of the destination.
Wellness and relaxation
Turn your property into a mini-spa. Massage services by the pool, yoga or pilates sessions in the garden at sunset, and tailor-made beauty treatments provide ultimate relaxation.
Airbnb has placed particular emphasis on wellness services, integrating professional trainers and wellness experts into the platform.
Local tours and adventure
Tours of villages, archaeological sites, hiking routes, or hidden beaches create a strong emotional connection with the destination. Organize private tours of hidden attractions, nature hikes, or, if the property is seaside, private day cruises with a boat or sailing yacht. Modern Airbnb experiences are built exactly on this philosophy: authentic activities delivered by people who truly know their place.
Transportation and premium VIP services
Comfort starts at the airport. Offer VIP transfers (airport transfers), luxury car rentals, or even personal concierge services.
Which services may not be worth the investment?
Services with high operating costs or increased liability, such as daily childcare or high-risk activities (e.g., diving lessons or extreme sports), often require additional insurance coverage and special permits. According to Airbnb guidelines, activities involving increased risk require special attention regarding safety and compliance with local regulations.
How do you work with external partners?
How do you work with external partners?You do not need to be a chef, trainer, or guide to offer these services. Success relies on smart networking with external partners. The safest and most practical solution is to build a network of reliable local professionals.
Selection and networking: Look for local professionals (freelancers or companies) with excellent reviews. Meet them, explain your vision, and ensure their service level matches your property’s quality.
Financial agreement: Collaboration is usually based on a commission model. Either the partner gives you a percentage (e.g. 10%–20%) for each client you refer, or you purchase the service at wholesale price and resell it to guests with a markup.
Clear terms and safety: Create a simple agreement defining cancellation policies, response times, and safety matters (e.g. liability insurance held by the partner).
Automation: Integrate the promotion of these experiences into your automated messages sent to guests immediately after booking, giving them time to plan their schedule.
The new era of hospitality requires experiences
The world of Airbnb is changing rapidly. Today’s travelers are willing to pay premium prices, as long as they feel that someone has taken care of every detail of their trip, offering comfort, luxury, and authenticity.
By investing in selected partnerships and services that match the character of your property, you can transform a simple Airbnb into a complete hospitality destination and significantly increase its market value.
Are you suppliers and interested in your promotion on BnBNews? See all the possibilities HERE.
