(TAN): Global home-sharing platform Airbnb has rolled out ‘Online Experiences’, or Experiences that are completely digital, to enable people to explore virtually and give hosts an opportunity to earn amid the pandemic.
The virtual version of the Airbnb Experiences offer activities such as baking, bike tours, Korean makeup tutorials, magic, hangout sessions with goats, fortune reading and meditation with Buddhist monks, by pairing customers with hosts from over 30 different countries.
Airbnb Experiences, launched in 2016, provide tours, events, workshops and activities hosted by locals across the globe. They had to be suspended until the end of this month after the coronavirus outbreak led to a slump in travel and the shutting down of nonessential businesses in cities all over the world.
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Meanwhile, Airbnb launched its digital format so that people have meaningful activities to engage in in times of social distancing, and hosts can find an avenue for income while their usual business remains closed.
“Human connection is at the core of what we do. With so many people needing to stay indoors to protect their health, we want to provide an opportunity for our hosts to connect with our global community of guests in the only way possible right now, online,” Catherine Powell, Head of Airbnb Experiences said.
Apart from offering activities led by local hosts, Airbnb has also collaborated with local organisations to host free activities for older adults who are at higher risks of getting infected, so they can learn a new skill while staying indoors.
“Millions of elders aren’t able to go outside and risk their health due to the current crisis, and need activities to help them stay connected to the world around them. Through our partnership with Airbnb, SAGE is able to give older members of LGBT communities across the country an opportunity to not only meet other people, but also learn a new hobby and travel to nearly anywhere around the world, all from the safety of their home. This is what partnership and connection is all about,” Michael Adams, Chief Executive Officer of United States-based nonprofit Services & Advocacy for LGBT Elders (SAGE) said.
Bookings are open for over 50 Online Experiences that will be hosted through remote conferencing app Zoom.
Earlier this week, Airbnb secured USD 1 billion in a mix of debt and equity securities from United States-based private equity firms Silver Lake and Sixth Street Partners. The money was raised to support the company’s long-term work, which includes attracting more hosts or homeowners who share their properties and experiences on the platform.
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