We break down Airbnb’s bold pivot into services and the rise of music tourism as a powerful force shaping travel demand, especially across India and Asia.
Airbnb has just taken a major step toward becoming an all-in-one travel platform. The company has officially relaunched its Experiences platform and introduced a completely new vertical: Airbnb Services.
This isn’t just about activities anymore—guests can now book:
Chefs
Massage therapists
Makeup artists
Personal trainers
And more… either during their stay or as standalone services
The newly redesigned mobile app supports everything from trip planning and service booking to social networking, calendar integration, and real-time communication during a guest’s stay.
According to CEO Brian Chesky, this move is only the beginning. With over 200 million verified identities and a rebuilt tech foundation, Airbnb is leaning into guest experience hard. The vision? A platform used not just for weekend getaways—but for everyday life.
Add in Airbnb Originals, anime-themed events with Megan Thee Stallion, and group trips curated by the likes of Patrick Mahomes, and it's clear: Airbnb is evolving from a booking platform into a lifestyle brand. STR operators should watch this carefully—guests will increasingly expect seamless service, on-demand extras, and curated local experiences alongside their stays.
Across the globe, India is seeing a new kind of travel boom—and it’s driven by live music.
When Coldplay hosted a two-night concert in Ahmedabad, it drew 222,000 fans from over 500 cities, generating an estimated $75 million in local economic impact. That’s not just ticket sales—it’s hotels, food, transport, and tourism experiences.
Highlights:
Hotel bookings surged 1,000%
Room rates hit $1,000 a night
50% of guests extended their trip
35% dined or shopped locally
It’s a textbook case of experience-led tourism—where the reason for travel isn’t the destination itself, but what’s happening there.
Meanwhile, hotel giants like Marriott, Hyatt, and Taj are rapidly expanding in India’s tier-2 and tier-3 cities, including Indore, Guwahati, and Rishikesh. Add to that new flight routes (like Vietnam Airlines’ launch to Hyderabad) and growing interest from Gen Z, and you have a recipe for a tourism wave built around stories, events, and emotions—not just scenery.
Airbnb is setting a new standard—and guest expectations will follow. Independent hosts should explore service add-ons, curated experiences, and value-added partnerships to stay competitive.
Capitalize on event tourism: From concerts to festivals, STR operators near event hubs have a golden opportunity. Promote early, optimise pricing, and tailor the guest experience around the event.
Think beyond the booking: Today’s traveller wants an immersive, memorable journey. Whether it’s through wellness offerings, local guides, or just smart in-stay communication, STR success is no longer just about the bed.
Ready to elevate your direct booking game? Visit the Boostly website for the tools, strategies, and support you need to succeed in 2025 and beyond. And remember: Book Direct.
