Airbnb encourages experiences, not just destinations

Airbnb encourages experiences, not just destinations

Airbnb has announced a new revamp that offers an alternative to mass produced tourism, encouraging people to travel with experiences in mind rather than just destinations.

Sydney and Melbourne will be included in a new innovative matching system designed to understand travellers’ preferences and then match them with the homes, neighbourhoods and experiences that meet their needs.

If you are keen to party, Airbnb will set you up in Darlinghurst, if you’re after a lentil burger, Airbnb might suggest a quirky Newtown listing. Looking for a great café in Carlton or edgy art galleries in Melbourne’s CBD? Airbnb has you covered with authentic and informed advice.

The two cities will also have their own Guidebooks a new feature that unlocks local insights, giving travellers access to millions of insider tips from Airbnb’s community of hosts. These new features, and many more, are part of Airbnb’s next chapter in its mission to change the way people travel.

In an online poll of US travellers commissioned by Airbnb, it becomes clear how much modern tourism misses the mark when it comes to globe-trotting. Respondents said they felt overwhelmed with the crowds at tourist attractions with people finding it as stressful as going to the dentist (48 percent) or doing their taxes (52 percent). Something is clearly missing from modern tourism as only a quarter (26 percent) of travellers felt their last vacation exceeded their expectations.

Airbnb co-founder and CEO Brian Chesky said “the number one reason people chose to travel on Airbnb is they want to live like a local. They don’t want to be tourists stuck in long lines, fighting with the crowds to see the same thing as everyone else.”

“Our hosts offer more than just generic hospitality – they welcome travellers from around the world into their communities. Today is the start of an exciting journey to help people not just go somewhere, but truly live there.”

 

Image: David Elliot, Airbnb

Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au

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