The Power of Place
AIRBNB EXPERIENCES
A Lesson in Hospitality-Driven Economic Growth and Community Revitalisation
When Airbnb set out to expand beyond home-sharing, it needed to answer a big question: How can people feel at home in a place they’ve never been? As part of the launch team for Airbnb Experiences, I helped take the platform from beta to public launch in seven global cities, working directly with local hosts to create deeply immersive, culturally rich experiences that bridged language, background, and identity.
At its core, Airbnb Experiences is so much more than just an activity, it’s about belonging. Through research, coaching, and hands-on collaboration, I worked with hosts to design experiences that made every guest feel welcomed and connected. From a local chef in Paris teaching travelers family recipes passed down through generations, to a street artist in Tokyo guiding guests through hidden creative hubs, the goal was the same: turning strangers into storytellers and guests into part of the local fabric.
The Impact:
Scaled from 7 cities to over 40,000 Experiences worldwide from 2017-2019.
The platform enabled individuals without property listings to become hosts, monetising their skills and passions. In 2018, the average host earned $2,500 per experience, with top hosts earning over $300,000 annually.
Redefined travel by prioritizing human connection over sightseeing.
Gave travellers a way to step into local life—not just observe it.
Attracting visitors isn’t just about marketing a destination—it’s about creating experiences that make people feel connected to a place. Airbnb Experiences proved that cultural storytelling and hospitality aren’t just add-ons—they’re economic drivers.
Cities that invest in local talent, cultural immersion, and community-driven tourism will see stronger, more sustainable growth—where both visitors and locals thrive. If your city wants to turn its unique character into a competitive advantage, it’s time to build a hospitality-driven economic strategy that works.