When Airbnb first launched its “Experiences” platform in November 2016, it was a bold step beyond accommodation, a chance for travelers to cook with locals, take unique tours, or dive into cultural immersion.
But the pandemic brought Experiences to a halt, with Airbnb pausing new offerings in 2020–2021. For years, the platform existed in limbo. Then, in May 2025, Airbnb relaunched Experiences with a complete overhaul as part of its Summer Release, signaling just how central Experiences are to the future of travel.
For Caribbean hosts, this relaunch poses a pressing question: Are Airbnb Experiences worth it in 2025?
The Global Rise of Experiential Travel
By 2019 (pre-pandemic), Airbnb reported Experiences were growing at 3x the rate of its core home rental business. In 2024, Booking.com’s annual trends report noted that “authentic, immersive cultural activities” ranked as a top travel driver. The World Travel & Tourism Council reports that 72% of travelers in 2024 said they prioritized experiences over possessions.
In other words, Airbnb isn’t reviving Experiences as an experiment, it’s doubling down in the direction where travel demand is heading.
What Exactly Are Airbnb Experiences?
Airbnb defines Experiences as “activities designed and led by inspiring locals.” Unlike generic tours, they’re curated and personal.
Examples worldwide include:
- A pasta-making workshop in Rome
- A mindfulness hike through Kyoto’s bamboo forests
- A Maasai-led cultural walk in Nairobi
In 2025, the relaunch emphasized quality, storytelling, and integration with stays. Experiences are now designed to appear seamlessly alongside listings, making them easier for guests to book together.
The Value for Guests
Why do travelers choose Experiences?
- Authenticity: They want insider access, not mass-market excursions.
- Connection: To meet real people, not just guides.
- Memories: They remember the cooking lesson, not the bed.
In the Caribbean, that could look like:
- Learning to make roti or callaloo.
- Visiting a mas camp to understand the production of Carnival costumes from rendering to road.
- Learning to play the steelpan.
The Value for Hosts
With the 2025 relaunch, Airbnb Experiences offer clear benefits for hosts:
- Revenue Diversification: Average Experiences are priced between $25–$100 per person. For 6 guests, that’s $150–$600 in a few hours.
- Search Boost: Listings with Experiences gain additional visibility in Airbnb’s algorithm.
- Review Leverage: Guests who bond during Experiences often leave stronger property reviews.
- Personal Brand Building: Hosts transition from “property operators” to cultural ambassadors.
Challenges Hosts Should Weigh
Not every Experience is a win. The obstacles include:
- Time and labor: Experiences require intention and consistency.
- Compliance: Some need permits, insurance, or special licenses.
- Fit: An Experience must reflect your brand; guests can sense when it’s forced.
Why the Caribbean Is a Goldmine
The Caribbean is perfectly aligned with this trend:
- Cultural Depth
- Food Tourism
- Nature & Wellness
- Diaspora Reconnection
Where hotels sell packages, hosts can sell belonging.
Lessons from Other Markets
- Tokyo: “Cook Authentic Japanese Home Meals with a Local” became a global bestseller.
- Paris: Photography tours in Montmartre consistently sell out.
- Nairobi: Safari walks and Maasai cultural sessions scaled Experiences tied to heritage.
The lesson? Successful Experiences lean into what is already authentic to the culture.
Blueprint for Caribbean Hosts in 2025
If you’re ready to test an Experience:
- Choose a Passion Point: Food, music, art, eco, or Carnival culture
- Price It Right: Benchmark at $40–$75 per person for high-value small groups
- Prototype First: Test with friends or past guests before listing publicly
- Think Branding: Ensure the Experience supports your hosting identity, not distracts from it
Are They Worth It?
Yes, but strategically. With Airbnb’s May 2025 relaunch, Experiences are no longer optional extras. They’re central to the platform’s future and a pathway for Caribbean hosts to showcase culture, diversify income, and secure repeat guests.
For inspiration on hosting your first experience check out, Airbnb Experiences
