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Airbnb Experiences - Vacation Rental Guide
There are many ways to host on Airbnb and until quite recently it always involved a property of some kind. As of 2016, the online travel portal launched Airbnb Experiences.
Airbnb experiences are in-person or online activities hosted by aspiring local experts. Experiences go beyond tours and workshops. You can plan an event or an activity for guests renting a short-term rental in the area.
While this used to be a strictly physical experience as of April 2020, people were also able to host online. Airbnb now describes it as in-person or online activities hosted by inspiring local experts. It is a great way for the host on Airbnb’s platform to share their skills, hobbies, or interests with others around the world.
Having said that, not everyone can host an Airbnb Experience as the site takes it very seriously, allowing only for high-quality experiences led by knowledgeable, hospitable Hosts. Every experience is carefully reviewed by them and must meet Airbnb’s standards and requirements.
Criteria to be fulfilled by hosts to be listed as an Airbnb Experience
- The host must be knowledgeable and passionate about the subject matter
- The workshop must be curated such that it’s an interactive experience even if it is conducted online.
- The experience must consist of elements that make it one of a kind.
Being an Airbnb Experience host
Experiences is now a core offering by Airbnb, on par with Accommodation and Services.
All hosts and experiences are vetted thoroughly and applicants can usually expect to hear back from Airbnb within 1-2 weeks. Airbnb may request changes or reject the application altogether depending on its needs.
Host suitability
Most listings feature in-person experiences conducted by locals with authentic local knowledge though outsiders with necessary expertise and experience can also host.
Experience hosts should be deeply involved in the content and delivery — not operating behind the scenes.
Duration and guest skill level
Experiences may range from hour-long sessions to multi-day cultural immersions.
Hosts must accommodate all skill levels, while clearly outlining expected guest skill or preparation (if applicable).
Airbnb Experiences: Host Standards and Requirements
Since Airbnb relaunched Experiences in its 2025 Summer Release, the platform has introduced enhanced standards to ensure quality, safety and authentic local connection. All Airbnb Experience hosts and co-hosts are required to comply by these requirements in addition to Airbnb’s Terms of Service, Additional Terms for Service and Experience Hosts and Community Policies.
Hosting and verification requirements
- Experience hosts and co‑hosts must complete identity verification and background checks.
- Hosts must maintain valid licenses, certifications and insurance as appropriate to their activity. Airbnb requires hosts to provide proof of maintain these credentials and insurance.
- Airbnb expects hosts to have at least 2 years of experience in the activity category and 5 years of experience for chefs who don’t have a culinary degree.
- A portfolio of photos highlighting the host’s professional experience is required for catering, chefs, hair styling, makeup, personal trainers, photography and prepared meals.
- Hosts are typically reviewed for reputation based on guest feedback, cancellation history and service complaints; low ratings or compliance failures may result in warnings or listing removal.
Hosting guidelines and commitments
- Hosts must personally lead all booked sessions; third parties or stand-ins are not allowed
- Experiences must be authentic, locally inspired and not outsourced or pre-fabricated.
- Each activity must be connected to the city it is hosted in and have ties to the local cuisine, culture or people.
- The location of the activity must be clean, comfortable and safe and be appropriately spaced for the group size.
- Guests may now see other attendees before booking, and group chat functionality (text, image, video) enables social interaction during and after the event.
Safety and quality standards
- Airbnb evaluates experiences for originality, local relevance, vetting, and professionalism. Submission may take 1–2 weeks, and Airbnb reserves the right to reject or request changes.
- Hosts must follow Airbnb’s health and safety guidelines — especially for food, outdoor and equipment-based experiences — and any prohibited activities (e.g., cliff diving) are excluded.
Host profile and listing requirements
- Experiences must be listed by individuals — not organizations — with a clear profile photo and real name. The description should explain why you are qualified to host the service.
- Listings must detail timing, duration, itinerary, location, group size, pricing and clearly state what’s included or required from guests (such as items to bring). Each itinerary must include at least one activity, and up to 5 per listing.
- Hosts must submit at least 5 high-quality photographs to provide a realistic picture of the activity they are conducting. Photographers must submit at least 15 photographs from their portfolio.
- Each listing must include a minimum of 3 offerings — entry, standard and premium. Each offering must have its own photo, description and price.
Cancellation and performance standards
- Hosts must avoid cancellations except in emergencies (e.g., safety concerns, weather hazards). Frequent cancellations may impact listing status or visibility.
- Maintaining high ratings, engagement and guest satisfaction is essential. Poor performance can lead to account or listing suspension.
Insurance and liability coverage
- Experiences are covered under AirCover’s $1M USD liability insurance for Experiences & Services — automatically applied at no extra charge.
- Hosts remain responsible for maintaining valid credentials and local compliance where required.
In conclusion
Airbnb relaunched its Experiences platform as part of its Summer 2025 release, making it easier than ever to offer authentic, high-quality activities — ranging from pasta-making classes to wellness sessions, artist meet-and-greets and celebrity-hosted “Originals.” Experiences are now available in over 650 cities around the world. Guests can see who else is attending, message other participants and connect throughout. As of May 2025, you can apply to host experiences in most global destinations, and Airbnb typically reviews submissions within 1–2 weeks.
Joining the experiences ecosystem offers a unique opportunity to turn your passions into profit while showcasing local culture. Whether you’re a chef, artist or local guide, hosting experiences lets you engage with guests meaningfully and expand your earning potential as Airbnb evolves into a holistic travel and services app.
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