Airbnb’s latest introduction of City Hosts along with its new partnership with Lufthansa are expected to drastically alter the operating model of the world’s largest platform in sharing economy.
In just 8 years, the San Francisco-based startup, now valued at an estimated $30 billion, has become a truly global business that operates in more than 34,000 cities in 191 countries.
As travelweekly.com notes, last June Airbnb quietly introduced City Hosts, described as “multiday trips curated by local, knowledgeable hosts.” The tours are being offered to a select group of Airbnb users and include 83 experiences in eight destinations.
In Los Angeles, guests can join Hollywood stuntman David “Soop” Frison for a workout on Muscle Beach, a Cirque du Soleil-style acro class and a practice session with other stunt performers.
In San Francisco, visitors can sample ales at a craft brewery, followed by a home-brewing workshop and dinner at a secret supper club. Host Justin Tung will even mail the results of your brewing efforts, because “the pleasure of brewing is about enjoying one’s hard work.”
In Tokyo, former sumo champion “The Dump Truck” Konishiki offers a window into the sport’s culture with a hosted dinner, a visit to a sumo house (where guests can sample a traditional hot pot meal and learn to throw a 440-pound wrestler), and tickets to a sumo tournament complete with behind-the-scenes access.
City Hosts tours are also available in Paris, London, Miami, Cape Town and Florence.
Provided activities
Each host provides a minimum of two experiences, and prices range from under $100 to upwards of $500, depending on the activities provided.
City Hosts bookings come with access to a trip app that offers other hosted activities as well as host-generated tips and suggestions for restaurants, sites and attractions. Hosts become local guides for their guests, who can contact them with general questions unrelated to the tour throughout their visit.
“We believe that the best way to get to know a place is through its people, and Airbnb City Hosts gives guests access to some of the most interesting and welcoming people everywhere,” reads the City Hosts website.
An Airbnb representative contacted about the City Hosts program said, “We’re continually experimenting with new things and this is a private beta. We don’t have any specifics to share on this right now, but we have a few exciting things in the works.”
This isn’t the first time that Airbnb has dipped a toe into tours. In October, The Next Web reported that Airbnb was experimenting with packaged tours dubbed Journeys that included Airbnb accommodations, “curated excursions,” one meal per day and a Lyft ride from the airport.
The beta program focused on San Francisco, where the company is based, and offered three itineraries themed around outdoor exploration, dining and the Mission neighborhood.
Cooperation with Lufthansa
At the same time, German carrier Lufthansa has posted a seat on a plane as an Airbnb listing, in a new, interesting sales tactic aimed at filling seats.
Posted under the heading, “Luxury Awaits Above the Clouds,” the listing is for a return flight from Frankfurt to New York in a premium economy seat for €699 (RM3,145).
“Our cabin isn’t in the woods, but in the sky!” reads the listing.
“Personal food and beverage service at 910km/h. Multimedia entertainment is included in our Lufthansa Premium Economy Seat from Frankfurt to NYC and WiFi is available. Includes return flight.”
Under the descriptors, the bed type is listed as “couch,” and room type is filed under “shared room.”
The amenities are likewise limited to air conditioning, wifi and heating, with many other features like washer, dryer and free parking crossed out.
Under house rules, fliers are reminded that there’s no smoking; that it’s not suitable for pets; and no parties are allowed.
Novel advertising strategy
The strategy, however, isn’t just a novel new way to advertise flights, points out Quartz.com, but a tactic aimed at spreading its wings and boosting sales.
In its latest financial update, the airline lowered profit expectations citing political instability in Europe and terror-related travel fears for the drop in ticket sales.
“Advance bookings, especially on long-haul routes to Europe, have declined significantly, in particular due to repeated terrorist attacks in Europe and to greater political and economic uncertainty since the original forecast was made in March.”
Meanwhile Dutch carrier KLM once offered adventurous aviation buffs the chance to sleep in a jet, grounded at Amsterdam’s Schiphol airport.
Read more here.
Sources: AFP-Relaxnews
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