Airbnb Launches ‘Online Experiences' For Those Who Want To Travel Virtually
Source: Airbnb
Airbnb has announced the launch of Online Experiences, a digital extension of Airbnb Experiences, which rolled out in 2016.
Announced via its website and social media channels, Online Experiences are “a new way for people to connect, travel virtually and earn income during the COVI-19 crisis.”
With Online Experiences, Airbnb offers guests virtue experiences that include everything from mediation with Buddhist monks to a day in the life of an Olympic Bobsledder.
“Human connection is at the core of what we do,” said Catherine Powell, Head of Airbnb Experiences, “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.”
Online Experiences feature hosts from more than 30 countries. Currently, there are 50 virtual experiences that can be booked via airbnb.com/online-experiences with thousands of more being added in the coming months. Experiences will be hosted on Zoom with Airbnb providing hosts access to Zoom free of charge along with personalized services to support curating, capturing, and sharing their Online Experience.
Airbnb is also partnering with several local organizations across the world to curate Online Experiences for the most isolated communities, such as older adults. These organizations include:
SAGE, the world’s largest and oldest organization dedicated to improving the lives of LGBT older people
National Council on Aging (NCOA), a respected national leader and trusted partner in the US helping people aged 60+ meet the challenges of aging
Associazione Nazionale Alpini – Sezione di Milan, veterans of the most respected and trustworthy military corp in Italy
Amigos de los Mayores, an organization combating unwanted loneliness and social isolation amongst the elderly in Spain
Insights & Analysis:
It’s no secret that travel has been one of the most impacted industries by the COVID-19 pandemic. With widespread stay at home and social distancing advisories, travel companies like airlines, hotels, and booking apps are being hit hard.
Airbnb’s Online Experiences is the company’s response to this challenging time. As video conferencing and live streaming continue to increase, and people look for new ways to be entertained and socialize with others, Online Experiences give people the opportunity to virtually travel and create new experiences from the convenience of their homes. Not to mention, it provides hosts the chance to make money themselves.
While it’s highly unlikely that Airbnb will be able to generate the money that it does through its traditional business, Online Experiences enables the company to bring in funds despite the disruption of the travel industry. It’s also an example of how new, innovative products can be created as a result of a company adapting to circumstances. When things do get back to normal, Airbnb will have the added benefit of another product to offer, along with its traditional business of bookings and in-person experiences.
As someone who enjoys travel and new experiences, I’m looking forward to seeing how other travel companies adapt.
For more technology news, follow me on Twitter and/or connect with me on LinkedIn.
SOURCE: Airbnb
