Airbnb Adds Services, Local Experiences, and New App for Travelers

A century ago, hotel chains transformed travel. In 2008, Airbnb introduced a new idea: booking homes as easily as hotels. Since then, over 2 billion guests have used Airbnb, reshaping how people travel. Now, we’re expanding beyond homes with:

Airbnb Services – Professional services to enhance your stay.
Airbnb Experiences – Local-led activities to explore cities authentically.
Updated Airbnb app – A redesigned app to book homes, services, and experiences in one place.

“Seventeen years ago, we changed travel by offering homes,” said Brian Chesky, Airbnb co-founder and CEO. “Now, with services and experiences, we’re making travel about more than where you stay.”

Airbnb Services

Hotels often attract guests with services like room service or spa treatments. Now, Airbnb offers similar services at your stay or even your own home.

Airbnb Services launches with 10 categories in 260 cities, with more added regularly via the app:

Chefs – Custom in-home meals by professional chefs.
Photography – Photo sessions with experienced photographers.
Massage – Swedish, deep tissue, or reflexology by certified therapists.
Spa treatments – Facials, body scrubs, and more by licensed aestheticians.
Personal training – Yoga, HIIT, or strength training with professional trainers.
Hair – Haircuts or blow-drys by experienced stylists.
Make-up – Everyday or event make-up by professionals.
Nails – Manicures and pedicures by specialists.
Prepared meals – Chef-made, ready-to-eat meals.
Catering – Full-service catering with custom menus and setup.

Services are vetted for quality based on expertise and reputation. Hosts average 10 years of experience, complete identity verification, and submit required licenses. Many are professionals, like Michelin-starred chefs or award-winning photographers.

Prices vary, with many services starting under $50 USD. Options range from affordable meals to premium sessions with top trainers. Some offerings are exclusive to Airbnb.

You can book services in over 260 cities through the app, which provides detailed host qualifications and pricing. Booking is simple, often instant, and available to anyone—not just Airbnb guests.

“Hotels offer services; Airbnbs offer unique spaces,” said Chesky. “Now, you get both—great homes with professional services.”

Experienced professionals can apply to host services at Airbnb.co.uk/host/services.

Airbnb Experiences

Travelers often choose Airbnb to live like locals, but finding authentic activities in new cities can be hard. Typical tours feel generic, with large groups and scripted itineraries. Airbnb Experiences offers a better way.

Relaunched in over 650 cities, Experiences are led by locals with deep knowledge of their area. Examples include:

Cultural tours – Explore Notre-Dame’s restoration with an architect from its team.
Food experiences – Learn ramen-making with a Michelin Bib Gourmand chef.
Outdoor activities – Horseback ride through Inca sites with an Andean culture expert.
Art and shopping – Get a styling session with a Hollywood fashion consultant.
Wellness – Train with a Mexican luchador.

Experiences are vetted for quality, focusing on host expertise, local connection, and guest feedback. Standards are maintained through ongoing reviews.

Airbnb Originals are unique activities hosted by notable figures, like pastry lessons with a renowned bakery chef or beach volleyball with an Olympian. Some feature celebrities, such as anime-themed sessions with Megan Thee Stallion or football lessons with Patrick Mahomes.

Starting later this year, Experiences will include social features: see who’s attending, message participants, and stay connected afterward, with clear privacy controls.

You can book Experiences in your own city, not just while traveling.

“Generic tours don’t connect you to a city,” said Chesky. “Experiences let you explore with locals who know it best.”

Apply to host at Airbnb.co.uk/host/experiences.

Updated Airbnb App

The Airbnb app, originally built for booking homes, has been redesigned to handle homes, services, and experiences in one place.

Key features:

Explore tab – Discover homes, experiences, and services worldwide.
Trips tab – View your itinerary, including home details and booked services or experiences.
Messages – Share photos, videos, and handle payments for custom services.
Profile – Show your travel history and connect with verified guests and hosts.

The app personalizes recommendations based on your stay and travel companions. It provides a detailed itinerary upon arrival and suggests nearby experiences during your trip.