Empowering Through Experiences on World Tourism Day

The theme for this year’s World Tourism Day on September 27 is “Tourism and the Digital Transformation”, and to celebrate, Airbnb is shining a spotlight on Experience hosts who have used the platform to fuel their passions and transform their lives. Many of these hosts have stepped out of their comfort zones to run an Experience full time, leaving behind the monotony of the traditional 9-to-5 work day.

From a perfume-making workshop in Korea to a cooking class in South Africa, guests can learn new skills and appreciate first-hand how their hosts have pursued their dreams, embraced entrepreneurship and are ultimately impacting their local community.

As a taster and to inspire and illustrate, below is a sampling of hosts who have pursued their passions through Airbnb: 

Seoul, South Korea – Minkyoung

Long hours at an architect’s office have given way to a boutique candle-making Experience for Korean host Minkyoung. Her small studio in Seoul provides a platform to hone her craft and practice her language skills with guests from all over the world.  

Bangkok, Thailand – Dwight and Panisha 

Dwight, an American who now lives in Bangkok, founded Courageous Kitchen to help underprivileged refugees learn how to cook, pick up English and find a job. This cooking class is a Social Impact Experience, which means that 100 percent of the proceeds are channeled back to the non-profit.

Cape Town, South Africa – Fayruza 

In the Bo-Kaap, Fayruza opens her home for a Cape Malay cooking Experience incorporating delicious food, history, culture, great company and a lot of laughs. Her Airbnb Experience is so popular that it has earned her over 100 five-star reviews on the platform.

Jane left her full-time job to dedicate all of her time to her passion of culture and education by sharing the history of the Teotihuacan Pyramids just outside of Mexico City.

Lösch currently has six Airbnb Experiences on the platform, focusing on sports like surfing, stand up paddle boarding, kitesurfing and hiking. He has an MBA, but decided to stop pursuing a business career and dedicate his life to his passion for sports.

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 listings or any other Homes or Experiences on the Airbnb platform.