Airbnb just took a huge gamble on a project they’ve failed at before…
They're relaunching Experiences, but this time is fundamentally different.
If they pull this off, they will completely revolutionize travel (again)–and it tells us everything about where the future of travel is heading.
Let's break it down.
Airbnb's Summer 2025 release introduces three major components:
1. Airbnb Services: bringing full-service hotel services directly to your rental.
We're talking professional chefs creating custom meals in your kitchen, massage therapists setting up in your living room, and personal trainers guiding workouts on your deck.
These aren't low-quality options either. Many service providers come from award-winning restaurants, have elite training backgrounds and are highly vetted by Airbnb.
2. A completely reimagined Experiences platform.
This is the big one–Airbnb is relaunching Experiences after pausing the program in 2023.
But unlike their previous attempt, these are hyper-curated for authenticity across 650 cities worldwide:
- Outdoor adventures and sports
- Workout, wellness, and beauty experiences
- Food tours, cooking classes and dining experiences
- Gallery tours, art workshops, and shopping experiences
All led by passionate locals.
They are also introducing "Airbnb Originals" featuring global celebrities like Sunday football with Patrick Mahomes or beach volleyball with Olympic medalists.
3. An entirely rebuilt app that functions as a personal travel assistant.
It doesn't just help you book–it travels with you…
Suggesting services based on your destination, presenting a detailed itinerary upon arrival, and recommending nearby experiences throughout your stay.
This is a massive bet for Airbnb.
And it's happening because they've realized something profound…
They've recognized they're not in the accommodation business.
They're in the business of creating memories.
This represents a fundamental shift in how Airbnb views its role.
They're no longer just connecting travelers with places to stay, they're orchestrating entire travel experiences from start to finish.
It's the biggest pivot since they transformed from room-sharing to democratizing vacation homes.
And it's incredibly smart.
Why is this time different?
Airbnb's previous attempt at Experiences struggled for several reasons: quality control issues, difficulty scaling, and fragmented user experience.
But this relaunch shows they've learned from those mistakes.
They've implemented rigorous vetting for service providers and experience hosts.
They've rebuilt their entire app to seamlessly integrate stays with experiences.
And they're leveraging partnerships and exclusive access to create offerings you simply can't get anywhere else.
By expanding beyond physical spaces into experiences and services, Airbnb is addressing what truly motivates modern travelers:
Creating the perfect moment.
People don't talk about the hotel room they stayed in.
They talk about the chef who prepared a private dinner for their friends while teaching them family recipes.
They share photos of the sunset yoga session on a hidden beach that only locals know about.
They remember the feeling of being welcomed into a city like an insider, not a tourist.
What makes this relaunch so powerful is how it creates a complete ecosystem serving exactly what today's travelers want:
- Authenticity: Connecting with real locals who share their passion and insider knowledge.
- Personalization: Services and experiences tailored to individual interests and needs.
- Convenience: Everything bookable in one platform, with integration throughout their stay.
- Shareability: Access to experiences perfect for their social media stories and posts.
- Connection: Features that make it easier to meet others and form relationships during travel.
This holistic approach is what sets Airbnb apart from other OTAs who are still primarily focused on putting "heads in beds” at the lowest price.
While competitors battle over room rates and availability, Airbnb is building something entirely different: a platform for creating moments and memories.
We've been preaching this philosophy for years now.
The modern traveler craves unique, personalized, and authentic experiences. They want to be transformed by their travels, not just temporarily relocated.
As much as I typically have my criticisms of OTAs, I have to give credit where it's due. Airbnb shows they understand the evolution of travel better than any of their counterparts.
They recognize that today's guests don't just want a place to sleep–they want stories to tell.
And that's exactly what we focus on creating for our properties and our clients.
Because in the end, that's what brings guests back again and again.
Exciting news for your hotel!
We’ve expanded the Oasi team to bring you the same strategies and expertise that fueled Onera’s success.
From boosting your social media presence and marketing strategies, to optimizing pricing and offering full-service property management, we’re ready to help your property attract the Modern Traveler and maximize your returns.
Fill out an inquiry here and let’s explore how we can work together.
See you guys next week!
-Ben Wolff
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Ben Wolff
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