The coronavirus has hit the travel industry hard. Airbnb are trying to help hosts, specifically experience hosts, by creating an online experience portal where guests can pay to participate in fantastic and unusual activities, virtually.
Some of these experiences include options such as meditation with Buddhist monks, virtual visits with the dogs of Chernobyl, cooking with a Moroccan family, and more.
There is even a South African offering a 1-hour history of Cape Town, called “Lessons from Apartheid.”
‘Human connection is at the core of what we do,’ says 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.’
These activities are designed to help people from all different contexts. From families wanting to be entertained together, to bonding experiences for colleges to a creative way to celebrate a birthday indoors.
All experiences are operated in partnership with Zoom for free. Each have their own limit on participants but groups are largely small.
There are currently more than 50 experiences available from all over the world, which can be accessed here.
In addition, Airbnb are using this same platform in partnership with organisations around the world to facilitate programmes for senior citizens.
‘Millions of elders aren’t able to go outside and risk their health due to the current crisis, and need activities to help them stay connected to the world around them,’ says Michael Adams, SAGE CEO.
Image: Airbnb
