Airbnb Expands Experiences in South Africa

Today, Airbnb is announcing the launch of Experiences in Johannesburg with around 30 Experiences already available on the platform as well as the nationwide expansion of Experiences. Passionate tourism entrepreneurs can submit unique Experience ideas for their area as Airbnb is now open for host submissions from across all of South Africa.

Experiences are activities or excursions that are led by passionate local hosts, highlighting their interests and perspective as well as unique places many visitors might not otherwise get to experience. After the launch of Experiences in Cape Town in 2016, Johannesburg hosts are excited to finally get the chance to show off their city while becoming part of the local tourism 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 – travelers can truly immerse themselves in one of Africa’s most energetic cities through Experiences.

The expansion of Experiences across all of South Africa will help to boost tourism outside of city centers 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.

Velma Corcoran, Country Manager for Airbnb South Africa

Also on offer in Johannesburg are Social Impact Experiences where 100 percent of the proceeds benefit the hosting organization: Training with Boxing Grannies is one such example. Hosted by the A Team Foundation, the Experience helps promote fitness and bodybuilding in underserved areas and hosting an Experience on Airbnb raises funds to renew training materials and pay the fitness trainers. Organizer Claude Maphosa is thrilled at the prospect of showcasing his passion to travelers and locals alike.

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.

Claude Maphosa, Airbnb Experience Host

Around 30 percent of Experiences booked in South Africa are Social Impact Experiences that support different associations and NGOs.

Airbnb Experiences make travel magical again by immersing travelers in local communities around the world by offering unique, one-of-a-kind Experiences that are handcrafted and led by local experts you won’t find anywhere else. It’s proving successful;  compared to the same time last year, global weekly guest bookings for Airbnb Experiences are up over 2500 percent. In 2016, we launched 500 Experiences across 12 cities. Now, in 2018 the Airbnb platform offers 10,000 Experiences in nearly 180 cities. Those interested in being an Experience host anywhere in South Africa and sharing their talents with the world can submit their Experience here.

The Airbnb Press Room is aimed at journalists. All Homes and Experiences referenced on the Airbnb Press Room are intended purely to inspire and illustrate. Airbnb does not recommend or endorse specific Home or Experience listings on the Airbnb platform.