Airbnb launched Experiences in Johannesburg on Monday (July 2), with around 30 experiences already available on the platform, as well as the nationwide expansion of the project.
Entrepreneurs can submit their ‘Experience’ ideas for their area, as Airbnb is now open for host submissions from across South Africa.
Experiences are activities or excursions led by local hosts, highlighting their interests and perspectives, as well as unique places many visitors might not otherwise get to see. After the launch of Experiences in Cape Town back in 2016, Johannesburg hosts finally get the chance to showcase all Johannesburg has to offer, while contributing to the local economy.
“The Experiences in Johannesburg show the vibrancy of the City of Gold. From urban farming to the real Soweto, to some of the best nightlife spots, travellers can truly immerse themselves in one of Africa’s most energetic cities through Experiences,” says Velma Corcoran, Country Manager for Airbnb South Africa.
Corcoran adds: “The expansion of Experiences across all of South Africa will help to boost tourism outside of city centres by attracting more people to rural and regional areas. Experiences help spread the benefits of hosting to those who do not have space in their house to rent out. This is also a fantastic way for visitors and locals to experience parts of South Africa that they would otherwise miss had it not been for these Experiences led by passionate locals.”
Also on offer in Johannesburg are Social Impact Experiences, where 100% of the proceeds benefit the hosting organisation, while Airbnb forgoes its usual fee.
Training with Boxing Grannies is one of those available to be booked on the platform. Hosted by the A Team Foundation, the Experience helps promote fitness and bodybuilding in underserved areas and hosting Experience on Airbnb raises funds to renew training material and pay the fitness trainers.
Organiser of Training with Boxing Grannies, Claude Maphosa comments: “Hosting a Social Impact Experience is a great opportunity to raise funds for our NPO. We are looking forward to meeting people from around the world and to encourage them to look after their seniors.”
Around 30% of Experiences booked in South Africa are Social Impact Experiences that support different associations and NGOs.
Since its launch in 2016, Experiences on Airbnb have gone from strength-to-strength, both globally and locally, with over 13 000 Experiences across 180 cities worldwide and a growth of 2 500% in the past year. The Airbnb Experiences platform not only takes visitors to lesser known areas, but can give individuals and businesses a new stream of revenue. Those interested in being an Experience host in South Africa and showcasing their talents can submit their Experience here.
