Search Results forAirbnb Experiences
Airbnb Experiences unveils Cooking to bring out secret family recipes
Airbnb Experiences has launched a brand new category of bookable experiences – Cooking. This has allowed people to have access to recipes and culinary traditions that were once reserved for family and friends. To ensure that no two recipes are the same, each experience has been vetted against guidelines inspired by Slow Food, a grassroots organization whose mission is to prevent the disappearance of local food cultures and traditions. Through this vetting process, Airbnb has verified that each host of an Airbnb Experience communicates the unique nature of every dish through their personal stories and has proven deep knowledge of the heritage of the cuisine that they share. To complement this partnership, Slow Food is also introducing over 20 special Airbnb Cooking Experiences that perfectly align with its principles of good, clean and fair - including Walk Cook & Eat in the Amalfi Coast and ‘Let’s Rescue Food’ in Cartagena, Colombia. Unlike typical cooking classes, which can feel intimidating or time-consuming, at the heart of every experience is a human connection; people coming together to make and share a meal together. Hosted by passionate cooks who are, above all, keepers of culinary traditions, there is a notable opportunity for everyday people to share the recipes that have defined their households for generations while earning extra income from a flexible side hustle. Alongside workshops, tastings, field visits and lessons from UNISG professors, there will also be hands-on lessons from one of our most booked hosts on the platform, Nonna Nerina, who has earned over USD 150,000 just by welcoming travellers to the Roman countryside to learn about her and her family’s love of pasta-making. The new Cooking category brings together the very best of the platform with brand new Airbnb Experiences in over 75 countries worldwide. "We are happy to provide guidance for Airbnb hosts and offer dedicated training for people to refine their family recipes and become quality and sustainability advocates. Airbnb Cooking Experiences represent a unique opportunity to spread our urgent call for sustainability standards and food biodiversity protection across the globe, reaching new audiences and inspiring change in the entire food and tourism sector. We have a long-term commitment to ensure that travel experiences remain authentic and help travellers learn about local communities and raise awareness about sustainable food practices,” according to Paolo Di Croce, Slow Food secretary-general. At launch, there are over 3,000 Cooking Experiences on Airbnb. Hosted by grandmas, farmers, pastry cooks and more, local hosts can now unlock the deeper meaning behind the food you eat, teaching traditional recipes and sharing personal stories in intimate settings around the world.
Lights, Camera, Action! Airbnb celebrates world of Bollywood with festival of hosted online experiences
Airbnb announced the launch of Bollywood Insiders, a 10 day festival of engaging Online Experiences that brings India’s storied film industry to life. Hosted by the industry’s top talent, guests from around the world will get a chance to experience Indian culture by going behind the velvet rope of a Bollywood set and interacting with its larger-than-life personalities. Bollywood Insiders will run from 13 – 22 August 2021 featuring 7 unique online experiences. From learning about audition preparation techniques with ace director Farah Khan, to an intimate fireside chat with International Emmy nominee Arjun Mathur and putting your best sartorial foot forward with celebrity stylist Tanya Ghavri, guests can experience first-hand the rigorous training and preparation faced by their favorite Bollywood stars. All Online Experiences will be available for booking from August 10, 08:30am, on a first come-first served basis at www.airbnb.com/bollywoodinsiders. Through the programme, guests will get a sneak peek into the making of their favourite Bollywood movies and stars. “We are thrilled to launch Bollywood Insiders, a campaign which pairs India’s love for the movies with Airbnb’s collection of unique and authentic experiences. This program aims to provide our community with the rare opportunity to interact with popular personalities from Bollywood and learn directly from these experts. We look forward to continuing to create additional experiences that will foster further connection amongst guests,” said Amanpreet Bajaj, general manager of Airbnb India, Southeast Asia, Hong Kong and Taiwan.
Airbnb now offers virtual ‘travel’ experiences to keep you entertained at home
Airbnb has introduced Online Experiences, a new way for people to connect, travel virtually and earn income during the COVID-19 crisis. With communities around the world staying home to protect their health, people can’t undertake routine activities like going to work, exercising or pursuing a passion. The new programme will change that by allowing hosts to earn an income in these uncertain times and bring their transformative virtual experience to millions of guests. Airbnb Online Experiences offers an array of options like meditation with Buddhist monks, virtual visits with the dogs of Chernobyl, cooking with a Moroccan family, and more. With so many people sheltering in place, It provides new activities for families to explore like learning the secrets of magic, options for work colleagues who want to reconnect and bond with team activities like making coffee with a professional coffee taster, features for groups looking to celebrate birthdays or get-togethers privately and the option to request specific dates for experiences like bartending with experts. “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.”
Hello four legged friend! Airbnb unveils Animal Experiences
Booking platform Airbnb has now unveiled Airbnb Animal Experiences - a brand new category of Airbnb Experiences that allow people to better understand animals through caring, expert hosts and set a new standard for animal tourism. With 1,000 experiences co-hosted by over 300 species and their human advocates, guests can now learn the art of horse whispering, paddleboard with corgis, kayak with conservationists, learn alongside urban beekeepers or skateboard with a world record-winning bulldog. Airbnb Animal Experiences offers a fresh new way to connect with animals near and far, so that even busy urbanites can reconnect with the natural world through hiking with rescue dogs, chilling out with alpacas or cuddling cows. Guests will meet animals in places that allow for gentle observation and bring a sense of connection far beyond animal selfies or performances. For those seeking more adventure, guests can discover arctic foxes or even help rescue puppies lost within the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone. Joining more than 40,000 experiences available across 1,000 cities worldwide, Airbnb Animal Experiences are underpinned by a new, industry-leading animal welfare policy, created in collaboration with World Animal Protection. “With technology taking up so much of our lives, it’s easy to feel disconnected from nature and animals,” said Brian Chesky, CEO and co-founder of Airbnb. “Maybe this is why social media is dominated by animal memes. Life is better with animals, but for many busy people, looking at them through a screen is the closest they can get. With this new initiative, locals and travellers are just a few clicks away from being alongside them in the real world,” he added.
Airbnb creates K-pop themed experiences for Thais
Airbnb Experiences is inviting Thais to take their love of Korea to the next level with the launch of Airbnb’s K-pop and K-beauty Experiences. Tourists can now book immersive and unique Airbnb Experiences to explore Korea’s electrifying K-pop scene alongside local musicians and professional dance instructors, or pick up the latest K-beauty tips from local beauty experts. The Korean wave (Hallyu) has grown rapidly over the past decade into a cultural phenomenon. K-pop artists are topping the charts and headlining festivals around the world, while K-beauty brands inspire millions to embrace new beauty and skincare regimes. There are more than 90 million Hallyu fans around the world today, with Forbes reporting an estimated 22% year-on-year increase during 2018. Thailand’s love for all-things Korean has many faces. From music and television shows to skin care and food. September will also see KCON 2019 THAILAND, a two-day event at Muang Thong Thani, a homage to all-things Korean. Korean-made skincare solutions are also popular throughout Thailand, from convenience stores to leading department stores. According to official government data, visitors from Thailand are already an important demographic for Korea. The most-recent figures (June 2019) recorded more than 37,000 monthly visitors from Thailand, representing 2.6% of all arriving nationalities, and more than other countries such as Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines and Singapore. Select your Adventure and meet local Experts Choose your K-wave Adventure with Airbnb’s K-pop and K-beauty Experiences - your insider guide to two of Seoul’s hottest trends. Guests get to learn from knowledgeable hosts who are active members of their communities, and love what they do. Meet Airbnb hosts like Wild Waackers Battle winner Mul, who runs a K-pop dance class in the heart of Seoul’s arts district, or television broadcaster Cyoung, who is dedicated to sharing her top make-up and skincare secrets with more than 300 cosmetic brand samples available in her studio. Be a K-pop star for a day If you’re ready to realise your personal K-pop ambitions, get your dancing shoes on and recreate the moves from your favourite K-pop hits! This two-hour session led by professional dance teacher Bryan gives guests the chance to form a small dance team, and create your very own hit music video which you can take home with you. Alternatively, dive headfirst into the recording studio and unleash some powerful vocals with Celine, a professional vocals trainer, who will host a one-to-one workshop about singing techniques before recording your own song. If you’ve ever dreamed about being a musician in Seoul, explore funky Hongdae on a music walk with local musician and TV personality Zozno. You’ll learn the history of the bustling arts district first-hand over a cup of coffee in a local cafe, then pop into Zozno’s personal studio, get the opportunity to play his personal collection of instruments before catching a live music performance together. Uncover the latest K-beauty trends Transform your skin from dull to dewy perfection under the tutelage of Melixir Vegan Skincare founder Hana, and make your own organic bath bombs with flowers, herbs and other 100% plant-derived ingredients. If makeup is more your thing then try designing your own natural, petroleum-free lipsticks in customised shades with certified skincare specialist Victoria. For those keen on a private style consultation and custom-tailored suits, look no further than host expert Jen, who has worked with major beauty and fashion brands for over twenty years. Drop by for a cup of coffee and leave with your own personalised style chart, grooming tips and a brand new wardrobe. Airbnb ‘Pressroom Live’ Come August 19, Airbnb will launch two indie concert Experiences in collaboration with local Korean newspaper Hankyoreh. Popular musicians Lee Hee-Moon Band and Harim will hold a ‘Pressroom Live’ concert in Hankyoreh’s newsroom on August 30 and September 3 respectively. Lead vocalist Lee was previously from popular Korean folk-rock band SsingSsing, while Harim is a renowned local songwriter and multi-instrumentalist. Each concert is open to eight guests only and can be booked on a first-come, first-served basis on Airbnb. For all K-pop and K-beauty Airbnb Experiences, visit https://www.airbnb.com/kwave.
VisitBritain to boost local experiences with Airbnb
Jazz musician playing in the streets of London, UK National tourism agency VisitBritain and Airbnb have announced a partnership to promote and broaden local-led tourism experiences. The GBP 500,000 match-funded partnership will work with businesses and destinations to promote local experiences and broaden the range of experiences available. It aims to get more Brits to take a holiday at home to boost tourism, collaborating with the tourism organisations of Scotland and Wales to promote local experiences. Experiences on the Airbnb platform offers handcrafted activities, tours and educational workshops led by local experts, from a trip to a hidden jazz club in London, to trekking with llamas in the Yorkshire Moors. “We want to boost demand for travel” VisitBritain’s commercial director, Carol Dray, said: “Our Experiences collaboration with Airbnb greatly amplifies our marketing reach and increases the range and depth of bookable tourism experiences locally, giving people more choice. “We want to boost demand for travel right now, inspiring more young Brits to take ‘microgaps’ and be advocates for experience-based travel in Britain now and in the future, benefitting local businesses and boosting the economy.” Yorkshire, United Kingdom The campaign's focus is to get more young Brits to take a short break at home. It encourages them to take a ‘microgap’ — a break typically taken during a gap year but condensed into a short break. “Open new streams of revenue” Hadi Moussa, Airbnb general manager for Northern Europe, said: “Britain has always been a hub of creativity and innovation, with many locals having diverse skills and unique talents that should be celebrated and shared. From young entrepreneurs to charities and small businesses, this new partnership will help open new streams of revenue for local businesses and destinations, while also promoting everything that Britain has to offer.” The partnership will also see the national tourism agency and Airbnb hosting a series of free regional workshops across Britain during March and April for destinations and local tourism businesses, entrepreneurs and charities.
You can now book Megan Thee Stallion, Michelin-Star meals, and spa days—Airbnb just got a luxe upgrade
Airbnb has unveiled one of its boldest pivots yet, expanding far beyond home rentals with the launch of Airbnb Services, reimagined Experiences, and a completely redesigned app. The 2025 Summer Release comes as Airbnb doubles down on lifestyle travel—and seeks to position itself as the go-to platform not just for where you stay, but for how you live, eat, and explore while traveling. The update follows a wave of strategic moves by the company, including its push into AI-powered itinerary planning, growing focus on premium travel segments, and a stronger embrace of personality-led experiences. With travel demand continuing to lean into personalization, Airbnb’s expansion comes at a time when consumers are seeking more curated, immersive moments. Seventeen years after its founding, Airbnb says it’s reinventing itself once again. “Now you can Airbnb more than an Airbnb,” said co-founder and CEO Brian Chesky. Since 2007, over 2 billion guests have booked through the platform, and this latest release aims to offer those guests everything from in-home massages to celebrity-led experiences. Services That Feel Like a Five-Star Hotel—Without Leaving Your Airbnb With Airbnb Services, guests in 260 cities can now book personal chefs, spa treatments, fitness sessions, stylists, photographers, and more—whether they’re staying at an Airbnb or not. The service is designed to rival traditional hotel amenities but with far more customization and flexibility. Service providers are verified professionals, many with elite backgrounds—think chefs from Michelin-starred kitchens, award-winning photographers, and trainers to celebrities. Prices vary widely, with many entry-level offerings available for under $50, making it accessible for travelers who want to elevate their stay without overspending. From Paris Pastry Classes to Anime Quests The revamped Airbnb Experiences program now spans 650 cities and features a growing catalog of locally hosted tours, workshops, and deep-dive cultural immersions. From ramen-making in Tokyo to horseback rides through Incan ruins, each experience is led by hosts deeply rooted in their city and craft. At the top tier are Airbnb Originals—premium experiences hosted by public figures and celebrities. Highlights include a beach volleyball session with Olympian Carol Solberg in Rio, a glam day on set with pop star Sabrina Carpenter, and even a cosplay-themed journey hosted by Megan Thee Stallion. Later this year, Airbnb will roll out social booking features that let guests see who else is attending an experience, message participants, and stay connected afterward—catering to the growing demand for socially connected travel.
HVS’s Florian Kittler emphasises the need for eco-friendly practices and personalised experiences
HVS Executive Search Europe and Asia Pacific managing director Florian Kittler shares his valuable insights with us regarding the growing need for personalised experiences and sustainability in hospitality operations. The travel and hospitality industry is constantly evolving thanks to shifting customer demands and global challenges. With a renewed focus on sustainability, personalisation, and technological innovation, travel companies work to redefine how they connect with travellers. Read through our exclusive interview with Florian Kittler: Given your extensive experience, what are some key trends you have observed in the travel industry over the past few years? We've seen several significant shifts in the industry. Sustainability has become a major focus, with travellers increasingly seeking eco-friendly options and destinations promoting responsible tourism practices. There's also been a surge in "revenge travel" and experience-driven travel, as people make up for lost time after pandemic restrictions. Another interesting trend is the rise of digital nomadism, with countries like Thailand and Indonesia introducing special visas to attract remote workers. Wellness tourism has seen a resurgence too, with travellers seeking rejuvenating experiences in destinations like Bali and Japan. The trend of Personalisation and Hyper-Personalised Offers leverages advancements in data analytics, AI, and machine learning. The travel industry is now able to offer highly personalised recommendations. From custom itineraries to tailored hotel experiences, travellers increasingly expect travel providers to cater to their individual preferences and needs. We've also witnessed a rapid adoption of contactless technologies across the industry, from mobile check-ins to biometric identification, enhancing both safety and convenience. This is in line with a focus on Safety and Hygiene as a top priority to meet the guests’ expectations. Lastly the rise of regional travel where Countries like China, India, and Australia have seen significant growth in local tourism, whilst destinations such as Vietnam and Malaysia attract regional travellers. What do you consider to be the most pressing challenges currently facing the travel industry, and how can companies adapt to overcome these obstacles? The industry is grappling with several critical challenges. Sustainability and climate change are at the forefront, with increasing scrutiny on our environmental impact. We're also facing economic uncertainty and rising costs, which are making travel more expensive for consumers. Another major issue is workforce shortages and talent retention, particularly in roles like hospitality staff and pilots. Post-pandemic health and safety concerns continue to impact traveller’s confidence. Lastly, as we become more digital, we're facing increased cybersecurity risks and the need to protect sensitive customer data. Adaptation is key. For sustainability, companies can invest in eco-friendly practices, offer carbon offset programmes, and seek green certifications. To address economic challenges, we need to implement flexible pricing models and focus on delivering value to justify costs. To tackle workforce issues, integrating automation and AI can help, along with improving employee incentives and offering hybrid work options where possible. For health concerns, maintaining enhanced safety protocols and clear communication with customers is crucial. As for cybersecurity, investing in robust data protection measures and exploring technologies like blockchain for secure transactions is essential. Consumer behaviours have significantly shaped our strategies. We've seen a rise in demand for flexibility and last-minute travel options, leading to more lenient booking policies and promotion of spontaneous trip deals. There's also a growing appetite for personalised, experience-driven travel, especially amongst younger generations. This has pushed us to leverage data analytics for tailored recommendations and focus on offering unique, immersive experiences. Health and wellness have become top priorities, influencing everything from our safety protocols to the types of packages we offer. The shift to remote work has also led to the rise of "bleisure" travel, blending business and leisure, which we're adapting to with specialised offerings. Lastly, the increasing focus on sustainability has driven us to implement and promote more eco-friendly practices across our operations. Sustainability has become a critical focus in travel. How can businesses in this sector effectively implement sustainable practices without compromising profitability? It's a balancing act, but it's definitely achievable. One effective approach is investing in energy efficiency and renewable energy. Whilst there's an upfront cost, it leads to significant long-term savings. For instance, many hotel chains have reduced energy use, saving millions annually whilst appealing to eco-conscious guests. Implementing waste reduction and circular economy approaches can also cut costs whilst being environmentally friendly. Simple changes like eliminating single-use plastics can make a big difference. Sourcing locally and organically not only reduces our carbon footprint but can also lower transportation costs and appeal to travellers seeking authentic experiences. Obtaining eco-certifications can differentiate us in the market and attract premium customers. Lastly, offering carbon offset programmes and partnering with environmental organisations can enhance brand loyalty and appeal, potentially allowing us to charge a premium for our services. Looking ahead, what emerging technologies do you believe will have the most significant impact on the travel industry in the next few years? Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning are set to revolutionise personalisation and operational efficiency in our industry. We're already seeing AI-powered chatbots handling customer inquiries and machine learning algorithms offering tailored travel recommendations. Biometric technology is another game-changer, making travel more seamless and secure. Facial recognition and other biometric solutions are speeding up check-in, security, and boarding processes at airports worldwide. These technologies are just the tip of the iceberg. We're also seeing exciting developments in virtual and augmented reality for travel planning, blockchain for secure transactions, and the Internet of Things for smart hotel rooms and personalised experiences. It's an exciting time for innovation in travel. As a judge for the TDM Travel Trade Excellence Awards, what qualities do you believe are essential for companies to demonstrate excellence in the travel industry? Excellence in the travel industry requires companies to demonstrate a combination of qualities that prioritise customer experience, innovation, and sustainability whilst maintaining operational efficiency. Here are 4 qualities that companies must exhibit to achieve excellence. Customer-Centricity and Personalisation. Excellence in the travel industry revolves around understanding and catering to individual customer needs. Travellers today expect personalised services, whether it's tailored itineraries, customised recommendations, or responsive customer support. A customer-centric approach builds loyalty and satisfaction. An example would be Four Seasons with their App that offers a highly personalised experience, which allows guests to request room services, book experiences, and communicate with staff directly. The hotel staff also remembers guest preferences, from room setup to dining options, making each stay personalised. Reliability and Consistency. Travellers value reliability, especially in terms of timely services, safety standards, and quality of experience. Consistency ensures that customers can trust a brand to deliver the same high-quality service every time they book, whether it’s a flight, hotel stay, or tour. Singapore Airlines for example is known for its consistently high standards of service across all aspects of its operations, from punctuality to inflight amenities. Their focus on reliability and premium service has earned them a reputation as one of the world’s top airlines, leading to strong customer loyalty. Innovation and Adaptability. The travel industry is constantly evolving due to technological advancements, changing consumer preferences, and global challenges like the pandemic. Companies that innovate and adapt to these changes—whether by leveraging new technologies or rethinking business models—can stay ahead of competitors and meet emerging demands. Airbnb transformed the traditional hospitality model by offering a peer-to-peer platform. More recently, they adapted to the rise of remote work by offering "Live Anywhere on Airbnb", promoting longer stays and remote work accommodations, catering to the growing digital nomad trend. Sustainability and Responsible Tourism. With rising awareness of climate change and environmental degradation, travellers are increasingly looking for companies that prioritise sustainability. Demonstrating a commitment to eco-friendly practices and responsible tourism not only appeals to these customers but also ensures long-term viability for destinations and the travel industry itself. Intrepid Travel, a global tour operator, is a leader in responsible tourism. It became carbon-neutral in 2010 and continues to lead sustainable initiatives, such as offering eco-conscious trips that minimise environmental impact whilst supporting local communities. They’ve also pledged to reduce carbon emissions further and increase the use of renewable energy in their operations. To excel in the travel industry, companies must blend customer-centricity, reliability, innovation, sustainability, and exceptional customer service into their operations. By focussing on these core qualities, travel businesses can create memorable experiences, build strong customer loyalty, and adapt to an ever-changing market. About Florian Kittler Florian Kittler initially joined his current firm to oversee operations in Asia. Since then, he has broadened his role to include the full spectrum of the Executive Search business across Europe and Asia Pacific, including key responsibilities in assisting with a new office in Frankfurt. With a strong focus on the hospitality, leisure, tourism, and entertainment sectors, Kittler executes retained search assignments that align with the strategic needs of his clients. His leadership not only reflects his extensive expertise but also represents HVS's commitment to delivering comprehensive services. As a judge at the TDM Travel Trade Excellence Awards, Kittler shared his insights on emerging trends, challenges, and strategies that will define the future of travel, emphasising sustainable practices, unique experiences, and technological advancements.
Video is the new battleground in the “Experiences” economy
It’s official! Video is the new battleground in tours and activities. Last week GetYourGuide CEO Johannes Reck posted on LinkedIn about their fall release day, Unlocked 2024. Among some new AI productivity hacks around listing creation and language, Reck spent a full paragraph explaining GYG’s ambitions around video. “We believe videos are the best way to show travelers what their next trip will feel like, but they have to be authentic to work,” said Reck. “So we’ve teamed up with our 10,000-strong creator community to produce authentic, high-quality content at scale.” This follows an earlier announcement from GYG competitor Klook, who has teamed up with social media giant TikTok. According to a report on Social Discovery Insights, “This new feature makes it easier for both individual users and entire friend groups to book trips directly through TikTok, and is unlikely to be the only travel partnership that the platform makes in the near future.” Klook claims double the amount of creators to GYG. “Klook’s “Kreator” influencer program, which has enlisted over 20,000 content creators, is central to this initiative.” A cursory glance at the Klook app showed video headers for products already in place. Of the two I looked at, one had a professional supplier provided video of Puffing Billy and then next a seemingly UGC video of a koala in a tree as part of the Great Ocean Road tour. Why the sudden rush to the video door? The answer is probably a combination of two things - conversion uplift and Airbnb. A widely quoted report by EyeView states that by adding video to a product page you can increase conversion by up to a staggering 80%. Even if the result was only half of that, it is already enough to stop everything else and get video on those pages. And that seems to be what GYG are now madly rushing to catch up on. The second is the ever looming shadow of Airbnb. On an earnings call in August this year, Airbnb CEO Brian Chesky foreshadowed the relaunch of their experiences platform for around May 2025. Pointedly Chesky stated; “Experiences should be sold video first.” and “Experiences need to be marketed with videos, not just photos. They need to be discoverable in the Airbnb app…” We can definitely expect Airbnb to take video a step further than the others by making video part of discovery and possibly using AI to personalise with “intent based search” capabilities. This fits perfectly with Chesky’s 11 star experience vision. With its brand strength and marketing power, Airbnb has the ability to really put a dent in the “experiences” world. Chesky said he is only interested in building billion dollar verticals within his business. And experiences are first among those after short term accommodation rental. No doubt they’ll have their own creator program (30,000 strong! maybe). This should be an absolute boon for existing influencers and casual creators to make a bit of money whilst travelling around over the next few years. Viator, the other major OTA in the space has no videos on product pages that we could find nor has made any announcements to change this. And that seems very strange. Except video has always been hard to execute and maybe it just sits in the too-hard-basket of their roadmap currently. As usual, the suppliers in travel and some of the less sophisticated re-sellers could be left flatfooted in the video onslaught. But it doesn’t need to be that way. And actually, with the addition of Videreo, it doesn’t need to be. Videreo is a new startup that is giving everyone in travel the opportunity of playing on the same ground as these larger players. And for SMB’s they can do it absolutely for free. “Any small business can upload their best 10 videos and use our platform absolutely free” said Videreo co-founder Adrian Villabruna. “Supporting small businesses is part of our values. The little guy or girl in travel often is left out of technological innovation. We don’t think that is right or fair, if we want travel to reach its potential of creating true value in the world.” With Videreo, a travel business can display scrolling vertical videos just like in social media but here they sit alongside a map to give the user more context and functionality. The user can see on the map where an experience that takes their interest is located to know whether that is really practical for their trip or can search the map first for their area of interest and watch videos from there to make their choices. Once the user finds the right experience for them, they simply click the link on the video straight to the experience product page to checkout. “The whole thing can be up and running in 20 mins if you’ve already got the videos” said Villabruna. Most tour operators would have at least 10 videos of their products and business already created for Instagram and TikTiok. We can expect the Airbnb experience to be closer to what Videreo offers than what is seen on GYG or Klook currently. For bigger players, Videreo has a lot more tech to offer including the ability to offer intent based search with video from leveraging deep AI tech and extensive video and product tagging. “We can take the next levels down from the major OTA’s from last position to first position in less than a day,” said Villabruna. Disclosure: Tony Carne is the other co-founder of Videreo.
Airbnb sees an increase in travel searches among Indian Travellers
Representative Image Airbnb reveals trending travel destinations among Indian travelers for the upcoming festive and autumn season (September-November), showcasing a blend of trending domestic and international destinations captivating Indian travelers. Airbnb reveals trending domestic and international destinations for the festive and autumn season Amanpreet Bajaj, Airbnb's General Manager for India, Southeast Asia, Hong Kong, and Taiwan, commented on the trends: "The festive and autumn season presents a unique opportunity for Indian travellers to explore both domestic and international destinations. We're seeing an exciting trend in travel patterns, with more Indians seeking unique travel experiences in culturally rich cities or enjoying the serene beauty of international landscapes especially during the autumn season. This trend not only boosts tourism but also promotes cultural exchange, aligning perfectly with this year's World Tourism Day theme." Leading the list of trending domestic destinations is Kanpur, celebrated for its grand Dussehra festivities, and Lakshadweep, known for its tropical allure, also ranks high among traveller searches. Other standout domestic picks include Ujjain’s spiritual aura during the festive season, and Munsiyari in Uttarakhand, offering breathtaking Himalayan views set against vibrant autumn foliage. This highlights a growing interest in destinations that combine cultural significance with natural beauty, providing memorable escapes within India. Indian travellers are increasingly exploring international locales known for stunning views and unique seasonal activities. Tokyo leads the pack, captivating visitors with momijigari (autumn leaf viewing) across its parks. The picturesque Amalfi Coast, with its Mediterranean charm, offers Indian tourists a quieter, off-season retreat. Meanwhile, Baku is emerging as a favorite, where the blend of modern architecture and rich history comes alive against the backdrop of colourful autumn landscapes. Other top trending international destinations include Kyoto’s historic temples amidst fiery fall hues, and Spain’s Nord de Palma District, known for its sun-drenched autumn days. In terms of countries, Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, and Montenegro are emerging as top trending destinations for Indian travellers during this period. Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan captivate with their rich history and scenic autumn landscapes, while Montenegro enchants with its stunning coastlines and mountainous terrain. Additionally, countries like Japan, Norway, Luxembourg, and Georgia are popular for their favourable weather, picturesque autumn scenery, and rich cultural offerings. These countries appeal to Indian travellers seeking diverse and immersive autumn experiences, enhanced by good connectivity and appealing seasonal conditions. As Indian travellers embrace the festive and autumn season, these destinations-both familiar and newly discovered-offer the perfect combination of natural splendour, cultural depth, and seasonal charm, creating unforgettable getaways.
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August 2023 – Digital Travel Asia
Digital Travel APAC is the region's travel event where the ambitious and digitally savvy business leaders and marketing, customer experience, digital transformation and eCommerce heads meet.