Photo: PATRICK T. FALLON / AFP / Getty Images
Airbnb has launched new features that allow users to book services and experiences alongside accommodations. These features, available on the app's homepage under two new tabs, provide access to a variety of offerings from chefs and hairstylists to cooking classes and museum tours. As of now, there are ten categories of services available across 260 cities worldwide.
According to Airbnb co-founder and CEO Brian Chesky, the company aims to offer the best of both worlds by combining the space of an Airbnb with the services typically found in hotels. The services are vetted for quality, with providers having an average of ten years of experience and undergoing a verification process. The offerings include chefs from Michelin-starred restaurants, award-winning photographers, and elite trainers. Many services are priced below $50, making them accessible to a wide range of users.
The experiences, hosted by locals, are designed to offer authentic insights into cities and are available in 650 cities globally. These include cultural trips, food tours, and outdoor activities. Airbnb has also introduced Airbnb Originals, which are premium experiences hosted by celebrities, such as beach volleyball lessons with Olympian Carol Solberg and pastry-making with chef Raphaelle Elbaz.
Chesky stated, "With Airbnb Experiences, don’t just see a place—experience it." The app has been redesigned to integrate these new features, allowing users to easily book services and experiences in one place.