Airbnb Experiences 101: Start Hosting and Earn from Your Passion

Looking for new ways to boost your income on Airbnb? Hosting Airbnb Experiences might be just what you need. More than just a side hustle, it’s a powerful way to share your passions, connect with travelers, and stand out from the crowd.

If you’re an Airbnb host aiming to grow your revenue and create more memorable stays, this guide will walk you through how Airbnb Experiences work, how to get started, and the tips that help you succeed.

Want more time to focus on what you love? Use Hostex to automate up to 70% of your daily hosting tasks, starting at just $ 4.90 per month.

What Are Airbnb Experiences?

According to Airbnb, Airbnb Experiences are one-of-a-kind activities hosted by locals, offering travelers a unique and immersive way to explore a destination. They enable hosts to share their passions, skills, and insider knowledge with a global audience, transforming everyday interests into meaningful connections and additional income.

For years, Airbnb has focused on helping travelers “live like a local.” And what better way to do that than to be guided by one? That’s exactly where Airbnb Experiences come in.

Popular types of experiences include:

• Guided tours of landmarks and museums
• Food tastings, cooking classes, and dining events
• Outdoor adventures, water sports, and wildlife explorations
• Art gallery visits, creative workshops, and local shopping
• Wellness, fitness, and self-care sessions

With Airbnb Experiences, hosts can go beyond just providing a place to stay. They have the chance to create unforgettable moments and turn their expertise into a rewarding venture, both personally and financially.

How to Start My Airbnb Experiences?

Launching your own Airbnb Experience is an exciting opportunity, even if you don’t own property. It’s a unique way to engage with the Airbnb platform and offer travelers something beyond traditional accommodations. Whether you’re a local guide, artist, chef, or fitness expert, you can craft and host an experience that reflects your skills and passion.

Here’s how to get started:

Step 1: Understand Airbnb’s Experience Standards

Before diving in, familiarize yourself with Airbnb’s guidelines for experiences. These include maintaining professionalism, providing insider access, and ensuring safety. Once you’re clear on the criteria, you can move on to creating your listing.

Step 2: Set Up Your Experience Listing

When setting up your Airbnb Experience, you’ll need to provide the following information:

• Experience Title: Choose a catchy, descriptive title that highlights the essence of your experience.
• Description: Write a compelling, detailed description of what your guests will be doing and why it’s unique.
• Location: Specify the venue or location of your experience.
• Services and Requirements: List the services you’ll provide and any equipment or items guests should bring.
• High-Quality Photos: Upload crisp, eye-catching photos that showcase your experience and attract potential guests.

Step 3: Add Extra Details

To make your listing even clearer and more enticing, include:

• Minimum Age Requirement: Define the minimum age for participants.
• Required Skills: Clarify any skills guests need for full participation.
• Group Size: Set a limit on the maximum number of guests for each experience.

Step 4: Share Your Personal Profile

As an Airbnb Experience host, you’ll be listed under your personal name (not a business), which helps build a connection with guests. Make sure your profile includes a friendly photo of yourself and a brief bio showcasing your passion and expertise.

Step 5: Submit Your Experience for Review

Once you’ve filled out your listing, Airbnb will review it for quality and compliance. This process typically takes about a week. To increase your chances of approval, ensure your experience offers something unique or provides access to exclusive locations or activities.

Step 6: Wait for Approval

Once Airbnb reviews your submission and approves it, you’ll be notified, and you can begin accepting bookings. From there, you can manage your calendar and start hosting guests eager to enjoy your experience.

7 Tips for Hosting Successful Airbnb Experiences

Running a great Airbnb Experience takes planning, communication, and a guest-first mindset. Here are seven practical tips to help you succeed:

1. Set Competitive Pricing

Start with a price slightly below your local competition. This can help you attract early bookings and build momentum. Once you have a few five-star reviews, gradually raise your price to match the value you deliver. Always monitor competitor pricing and guest feedback to stay aligned with market expectations.

2. Handle Guest Feedback and Reviews

Guest ratings impact your visibility and booking potential. A few poor reviews can suspend your experience temporarily. Always respond to guest concerns with care and professionalism. Thank them for their feedback and explain what you’re doing to improve. A thoughtful reply shows future guests that you take service seriously.

3. Manage Both Property and Experiences Efficiently

If you host both properties and Airbnb Experiences, managing everything manually can be overwhelming. Use tools like Hostex to automate calendar sync, guest messaging, and booking updates across all channels. This gives you more time to focus on creating exceptional guest experiences without sacrificing operational efficiency.

4. Use Airbnb’s Host Community

Tap into Airbnb’s host community for support and advice. You’ll find online forums, host meetups, and local events that can help you grow. Learn from the experience of others, ask questions, and share what works for you. Being part of a host network can make the journey feel less lonely and more rewarding.

5. Offer Personalized, One-of-a-Kind Experiences

Generic tours don’t stand out. Add personal touches, share local insights, or offer access to places not found in guidebooks. Your passion and unique perspective are your best assets. Tailor each session to your guests when possible. A customized experience leaves a lasting impression and drives repeat bookings.

6. Communicate Clearly with Guests

Send detailed instructions before the experience. Include meeting time, location, what to bring, and what to expect. Answer questions quickly and be available in case of delays or changes. Clear communication builds trust and ensures guests feel confident and comfortable throughout the entire experience.

7. Keep Improving and Trying New Ideas

Success on Airbnb comes from staying fresh. Read guest reviews carefully—they often highlight areas you can improve. Try offering limited-time versions of your experience or test new locations or formats. Small changes keep your experience engaging and show guests that you care about quality.

Frequently Asked Questions About Airbnb Experiences

1. I’m already an Airbnb host. Can I still offer Airbnb Experiences?

Yes, absolutely. If you already host a property on Airbnb, adding an Airbnb Experience is a great way to earn extra income. You can also promote your experience within your listing description or through guest messages, encouraging travelers to enhance their stay.

For better results, tools like Hostex can help. Hostex allows you to automate messages that inform guests about your curated experience, making promotion effortless and consistent.

2. Are there any fees or commissions for Airbnb Experiences?

Yes. Airbnb charges a 20% commission on each booking made through the Experiences platform. While this may seem high at first, it’s important to consider the exposure and credibility Airbnb brings. The platform connects you with a global audience that actively searches for unique and authentic local experiences.

3. Does Airbnb provide insurance for Experiences?

Yes. Airbnb offers liability insurance coverage up to $1 million USD for most approved Experiences. This policy helps protect hosts against personal injury or property damage claims that may occur during the activity. While it doesn’t replace general business insurance, it provides added peace of mind for both hosts and guests.

4. Do I need to own a property to host Airbnb Experiences?

No. You do not need to own or rent a property to host an Airbnb Experience. Anyone with a unique idea and strong local knowledge can apply to list an experience. This makes it a great opportunity for locals, artists, chefs, athletes, or guides who want to share their passions with travelers.

5. How do guests discover Airbnb Experiences?

Guests can find Airbnb Experiences through the Airbnb homepage, their trip itinerary page, or when searching for activities in a specific destination. Many guests look for experiences before or after booking their stay, so having a compelling title, strong reviews, and professional photos can help you stand out.

6. Can I host more than one experience?

Yes. Many hosts run multiple Airbnb Experiences, often catering to different interests or time slots. Just ensure each one meets Airbnb’s quality standards and offers a unique value to guests. Managing multiple experiences is easier with scheduling and automation tools like Hostex.

Final Thought

While hosting an Airbnb Experience can be a rewarding venture, success often depends on consistency, patience, and attention to detail. Keep in mind that many top-rated experiences didn’t go viral overnight; they evolved through trial, feedback, and refinement.

If you’re just starting out, consider attending an existing experience in your area. See what others are doing well (or not), and take notes. Observing as a guest can inspire improvements to your own offering.

Also, don’t underestimate the power of cross-promotion. Share your experience on social media, embed it in your personal website, or collaborate with local tourism boards and influencers. These small actions can generate long-term visibility and help you build a loyal audience beyond the Airbnb platform.

And finally, use tools like Hostex to simplify your operations. With calendar syncing, guest messaging automation, and centralized management of your listings, Hostex gives you the time and bandwidth to focus on what matters most: creating memorable experiences your guests will rave about.