The Airbnb Experiences feature is getting a big upgrade and plans to expand to 200 cities across the US. This expansion comes with a $5 million investment and is being enacted thanks to a spike in the number of Experiences used by customers. Airbnb experiences are currently offed around the world and the company boasts 4,000 Experiences that are sure to satisfy any traveler. The result of this new investment is still unclear, but Airbnb hopes to turn the Experience function into another huge source of income. The New York-based company currently takes a 20% cut from the activities listed on the website.
Airbnb Experiences was launched by the company in 2016 and following this release there was was a rise is global weekly guest bookings. The Experience function allows travelers to partake in unique adventures offered by small local business owners, entrepreneurs and even local nonprofits. These experiences target the active traveler as they offer unique adventures that are region-specific. Airbnb hopes that this Experiences expansion will push more toward adventure and will hopefully draw more people to explore the world around them.
Experience-Driven Vacations
Airbnb Experiences are Getting More Attention and Plans for Expansion
Trend Themes
1. Experience-driven Travel - Airbnb's investment in Experience function is a call to action for the travel industry to embrace and enhance interactive and one-of-a-kind travel experiences.
2. Hyper-local Tourism - The Airbnb Experiences feature presents an opportunity for local businesses and nonprofits to expand their reach and offer immersive, unique, and authentic experiences for travelers.
3. Social Impact Travel - The Airbnb Experiences feature can help travelers contribute to the local economy, culture, and community building, promoting sustainable tourism and responsible travel practices.
Industry Implications
1. Travel and Hospitality - The travel and hospitality industry players who invest in creating bespoke, immersive, and interactive experiences that foster local ties and social impact can enrich travelers' experiences, elevate destination offerings, and generate new revenue streams.
2. Tourism Boards - Tourism boards can partner with Airbnb to promote unique experiences within their regions, diversify their tourism offerings, and drive economic growth, while creating positive social and environmental impact and fostering local entrepreneurship.
3. Nonprofit Organizations - Nonprofit organizations can collaborate with Airbnb to reach new audiences, showcase their social impact projects, and generate income for their causes, while providing authentic, enriching, and memorable experiences for travelers that contribute to a more sustainable and compassionate world.