Airbnb Experiences
Key Takeaways
- Airbnb Experiences are activities hosted by locals, separate from property rentals
- Airbnb charges Experience hosts a 20% service fee per booking
- Anyone can host an Experience -- you do not need to have a rental listing on Airbnb
- Property hosts can cross-promote Experiences to their rental guests for additional revenue
- All Experiences must pass Airbnb's quality review process before going live
- Top Experience hosts can earn $2,000-$10,000+ per month
How Airbnb Experiences Work
Experiences are booked by guests through the Airbnb platform, just like rental listings. The host sets the price per person, maximum group size, schedule, and included items. Airbnb handles payments, messaging, and reviews.
Experience Categories:
| Category | Examples |
|---|---|
| Food and drink | Cooking classes, wine tastings, food tours |
| Nature and outdoors | Guided hikes, surfing lessons, wildlife tours |
| Art and culture | Photography walks, pottery workshops, cultural tours |
| Sports | Yoga sessions, cycling tours, climbing |
| Entertainment | Live music, DJ workshops, comedy shows |
| Social impact | Experiences supporting local nonprofits and communities |
Fee Structure:
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Host fee | 20% of the booking price |
| Guest fee | None (included in listed price) |
| Pricing flexibility | Set by host, typically $20-$150 per person |
Why Airbnb Experiences Matter for STR Hosts
- Additional revenue stream: Property hosts can earn extra income by offering an Experience alongside their rental, diversifying beyond nightly room revenue.
- Enhanced guest experience: Recommending or offering your own Experience adds value to your guests' stay and can lead to better reviews on your listing.
- Year-round income: Experiences can generate revenue even during low-occupancy periods when your rental may be slower.
- Listing differentiation: Mentioning a unique available Experience in your listing description can make your property stand out from competitors.
Airbnb Experience Performance Benchmarks
| Metric | Average | Top Performers |
|---|---|---|
| Price per person | $30-$80 | $100-$300+ |
| Group size | 4-8 guests | 8-15 guests |
| Sessions per week | 2-3 | 5-7+ |
| Monthly revenue | $500-$2,000 | $5,000-$10,000+ |
| Average rating | 4.7 | 4.95+ |
Tips for Creating a Successful Airbnb Experience
- Lead with your unique expertise -- the best Experiences showcase genuine passion and local knowledge that guests cannot easily find elsewhere
- Include standout details -- provide quality equipment, snacks, or take-home items that add perceived value
- Use professional photos showing real sessions with engaged participants to attract more bookings
- Encourage reviews from every guest, as ratings and review volume heavily influence Experience search ranking
- Cross-promote with your rental -- if you also host a property, recommend your Experience to guests and include it in your welcome guide
Frequently Asked Questions
Earnings from Airbnb Experiences vary widely. A typical Experience priced at $30-$80 per person with 5-10 guests per session can generate $150-$800 per session. Top Experience hosts running multiple sessions weekly report earning $2,000-$10,000+ per month. Airbnb takes a 20% service fee from each booking.
To create an Experience, visit airbnb.com/host/experiences and submit a proposal. You will need to describe the activity, your qualifications, what is included, pricing, schedule, and location. Airbnb reviews all submissions for quality standards. Approval typically takes 2-4 weeks.
No. Anyone can apply to host an Airbnb Experience, regardless of whether they have a rental listing. Experiences are a standalone product on Airbnb. However, hosts who also have rental listings can cross-promote their Experiences to their guests for additional revenue.