Airbnb brings ‘Trips’ to Sydney

Foodie and former owner of Thanh Binh Restaurant, Angie Hong, has developed a special culinary walking tour of Cabramatta, Sydney, Australia. 23/3/2017
Photo - James Horan

Airbnb is bringing its ‘Trips’ service to Aussie shores, expanding its services beyond accommodation with its sights initially set on Sydney.

Airbnb launched its Trips arm in November last year, but only started with 12 cities worldwide.

From today, locals and travellers can choose from almost 20 curated Sydney-based activities, designed and led by local experts in the field.

Think a sunrise surf with Bondi Rescue Lifeguard and local legend Andrew ‘Reidy’ Reid, and fascinator-making with milliner Neil Grieg.

Vice President of Product and one of Airbnb’s first employees, Joe Zadeh, unveiled the news in Sydney today.

“Since we launched Trips at Airbnb Open last November, we’ve been overwhelmed by the positive feedback and interest we’re seeing from hosts and travellers alike.

“Everyone is eager to experience a different side of a city whilst immersing themselves in local communities,” he said.

Trips gives people travelling to Sydney the opportunity to feel like they can truly belong anywhere – which is integral to Airbnb’s global community.

“For local Sydney-siders, they can participate in and contribute to local tourism, sharing their skills and favourite experiences with others, whilst making a little extra money from their interests and passions. It’s a great way for people to discover new things to do, meet new people, and play tourist in their own backyard.”

Designed to make travel both easy and magical, Trips covers three key areas: Experiences, Places and Homes.

Experiences offer unprecedented access to locals sharing their passions and interests, with nearly 20 now available to book online.

From world-renowned Chef Neil Perry and professional big wave surfer Mark Matthews to everyday Aussies and professional tour guides, Australians are embracing the share economy, delivering Experiences that are in keeping with Airbnb’s culture and quality standards.

A few of these include:

  • Experience an insider’s view of the Sydney Opera House with a private guided tour followed by dinner and drinks backstage in the Green Room. As well as hearing stories of great performers past and present, guests will get to enjoy a live performance from the Best Seat in the House – the lighting box of the world-famous Concert Hall.
  • Go off the grid with Michael Mobbs and learn how he lives sustainably off natural resources, without needing to pay for a water or electricity bill nor buy groceries.
  • Explore Cabramatta like a local, and join Angie Hong (pictured above), mother to Dan Hong of Ms G’s, Mr Wong and El Loco fame, on a culinary walking tour. Visit Angie’s favourite local stores and fresh food producers then enjoy a Vietnamese Feast at the renowned Thanh Binh restaurant.
  • Learn from three times champion of the Oakley Big Wave Award, Mark Matthews, and discover the big breaks of Cape Fear with a pro.

Places include recommendations and hidden gems from local insiders in the know, with 34 Sydney Guidebooks now live featuring some of the city’s best kept secrets including:

  • Visit the many beaches and rock pools that inspired Ken Done, one of Sydney’s most iconic artists
  • Discover Dara Hayes aka DJ TigerLily’s favourite places to relax and enjoy a Sunday Session in Sydney
  • Follow in the fashion footsteps and discover designer Collette Dinnigan’s most loved boutiques and fashion haunts of Sydney
  • Get inked up at some of the city’s best dens known for body art, as revealed by renowned tattoo artist Melanie Milne

“Since Trips launched last year, the local Airbnb team has been busy working with the travel industry, local experts and businesses, as well as everyday Australians, to uncover experiences that best showcase this great city, and we’re only just getting started,” Airbnb Country Manager – Australia – and Regional Manager for Trips, Sam McDonagh said.

“Whether you’re interested in food and wine, cultural discoveries or new adventures, Trips offers people the opportunity to share their passions, whilst gaining unprecedented access to our global community and places that they would otherwise never have known.

“Over the coming weeks and months, we’ll continue to add more Experiences and Guidebooks to the Trips platform, and welcome the chance to work with the local community to share this amazing corner of the world with others.”

 

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

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