Latest news with #experiences
Skift
3 days ago
- Business
- Skift
Viator Partnership With Airbnb Experiences? Tripadvisor CEO Talks Up the Idea
Viator has always been open to partnerships with competing platforms, but the approach may not fit with Airbnb's current strategy. Are Viator and Airbnb Experiences on a collision course? Not necessarily, according to Tripadvisor CEO Matt Goldberg, who on Thursday raised the possibility of a partnership between Tripadvisor – Viator's parent company – and the relaunched Airbnb Experiences. "There may be opportunities to partner with Airbnb," Goldberg said at a Bernstein financial conference. "They've tried this a few different times. We watch it closely. And of course, w
Skift
5 days ago
- Business
- Skift
Airbnb Exec: 'We've Learned a Lot About Experiences' – Full Video, Skift Asia Forum
Airbnb thinks its focus on high-quality experiences is the way to stand out in a crowded field. Airbnb Chief Business Officer Dave Stephenson recently spoke at the Skift Asia Forum in Bangkok, where he discussed the company's rollout of its new products for experiences and services Airbnb first tried offering experiences in 2016 and again in 2022, but it had paused those efforts. Airbnb has 'learned a lot about experiences over the last few years," Stephenson told Editor-in-Chief Sarah Kopit. Airbnb is also expanding into travel-related services such as personal chefs, photographers, and fitness trainers, services that replicate amenities often found in hotels but are now bookable through the Airbnb app. He also discussed Airbnb Originals, which include cooking lessons with Michelin-starred chefs in Tokyo and hangouts with celebrities like Megan Thee Stallion. Watch a full video of the discussion below: Highlights from Airbnb Chief Business Officer Dave Stephenson About Airbnb Originals: 'These are amazing experiences hosted by locals that know the cities best… high quality, interesting activities that people can do in cities all around the world.' On Airbnb's Focus on Quality: 'We don't just let any experience onto Airbnb. We have dedicated people that are reaching out and finding experiences ... We have some amazing, iconic experiences. But we're also bringing them down to local people that know those cities best.' About Airbnb's Ambition to Become a One-Stop Travel Platform: 'There's no app on the internet that's actually providing all of these services… We're eliminating reasons why people wouldn't want to stay in an Airbnb.' On a Challenging Economic Environment: 'We could actually see people hosting experiences or maybe they're experts at specific services, and they can actually do these to earn more money. So in times of economic uncertainty, they can bring their time and energy to be hosts.' About Airbnb's Expansion Into Travel-Related Amenities: "Now you can bring the spa to your Airbnb. You can bring your personal trainer to an Airbnb. You can have prepared meals or a chef come to you. So now, it's one more reason why an Airbnb is a better way to travel."
Yahoo
7 days ago
- Yahoo
6 Sneaky Tips To Score Cheap Flights and Accommodation
One of the greatest shifts in younger generations is their emphasis on experiences over things. One of those experiences is travel. Millennials and Gen Z travel so much more than Gen X and boomers did. But that doesn't mean we can't all take lessons from that now. Read More: Find Out: How do they get away with it? After all, they're the generation that graduated from college as the economy imploded and the housing bubble burst. They can't be making that much more money than previous generations. In fact, they're not. They're just sneakier at finding the great deals that let them traipse around the world. Here's what we can learn. You've probably already locked this one in. The more flexible you can be with your dates, the better rates you'll get for both flights and accommodations. It's a simple matter of supply and demand. If everyone wants to travel from Friday to Sunday, the prices for flights and stays will rise. If fewer people are traveling from Tuesday to Thursday, you're more likely to get a better deal. This is also true of specific dates. Have you ever noticed how one Tuesday on sites like or Airbnb may be cheaper than the next Tuesday? Or is next month cheaper than this month? Play with your dates and find the cheapest deals you can. Discover Next: Just like with specific dates, try to avoid peak travel times to get better deals. Don't go to Europe in the summer. Don't visit New Orleans in March. Don't head to Quebec City for Christmas. The prices to travel to and stay in destinations known for specific times of year will skyrocket. Seriously, a hotel room in Leavenworth, Washington, will cost twice as much around Christmas as it will just a couple of months later in February or March. If you're trying to travel on a budget, skirt those peak travel times and go either right before or right after the time when everyone else is traveling. You'll often get extremely cut rates. Also, who says it has to be New Orleans? Why not visit the Everglades in Florida or Savannah in South Carolina, instead? Why visit Quebec City when you can travel to British Columbia? There are so many places to visit in the world. While everyone else is going to Seoul, you could visit Bangkok, Thailand, for just as much beauty at a fraction of the price. So, while you're focusing on traveling more, focus less on specific places and instead let your pocketbook be your guide. Research inexpensive places to fly to and stay in, and then look into fun things to do while you're there. It's a backward way of traveling that can save you a ton of money and allow you to see so many more places. Speaking of being open and flexible, if you're able to stay longer, you can end up saving way more money than you imagine. Many millennials and Gen Zers are taking on the lifestyle of digital nomads, with 64% of all digital nomads being in that age range. This allows them to stay in countries for extended periods, often several months. Instead of living and working in the United States and traveling for only two weeks a year, more millennials and Gen Z are hopping from country to country while working from their laptops, while living in a short-term rental. With the cost of living so high in the United States, digital nomads both save money and get to travel at will. It's kind of a no-brainer. If you can stay longer, you can save on travel. Okay, so let's say you're determined to visit New Orleans during Mardi Gras (peak travel time). Fine, but don't stay in New Orleans proper. Instead, book an Airbnb or hotel in LaPlace or Covington, which are only 30 to 45 minutes away from New Orleans. You can travel into the city when you want to, but you can also spend time exploring more of Louisiana than most visitors to New Orleans. And you'll pay way less to stay. You can even check flights for the Baton Rouge Airport instead of the New Orleans Airport to see if you'll get a better deal. Go to the places no one else thinks of going, and you're more likely to see the things everyone else wants to see. Finally, you don't have to stay in the nicest hotels or the best Airbnbs, right? If you're on a budget, you just need a safe place to crash and store your stuff while you're exploring the cities and towns you've never been to. The solution? Hostels. Hostels were designed for world travelers like yourself who need to stick to a budget. You can often get a private room, but you'll probably share a bathroom. And if you're on a super tight budget, you can bunk in a dorm-style room with other travelers. Hostels are usually fun spaces with game nights and shared meals where you can meet people from all over the world. And you'll do it for super cheap. More From GOBankingRates How Much Money Is Needed To Be Considered Middle Class in Every State? 6 Popular SUVs That Aren't Worth the Cost -- and 6 Affordable Alternatives This article originally appeared on 6 Sneaky Tips To Score Cheap Flights and Accommodation
Forbes
23-05-2025
- Business
- Forbes
How Personalization Is Shaping The Travel Economy
MADRID, SPAIN - JANUARY 27: The chef of Simpar Restaurant, Axel Smith, wins the XI Championship for ... More the Best Iberian Ham Croquette at Madrid Fusión 2025 at Ifema on January 27, 2025 in Madrid, Spain. 'Madrid Fusion Foods of Spain' celebrates its 23rd edition since it was first held in 2003. (Photo by) The pandemic didn't just disrupt travel—it reprogrammed it. Travel and live events were the currency consumers most wanted and the absence of opportunities created more than just pent up demand. Gen Zers created bucket lists. The longing that hasn't subsided even though we are years removed from the initial pandemic disruption. Consumers today aren't chasing destinations. They're chasing experiences with meaning. According to Jeff Zotara, CMO at Arrivia, we've entered the age of the purposeful traveler, and loyalty programs must evolve—or risk becoming obsolete. AI has a big role to play in the travel booking shift. 'AI and machine learning are now the engines behind meaningful loyalty,' says Zotara. 'It's not just about booking the next cruise—it's about booking the right cruise with the right excursion, cabin, and cuisine.' 'Today's travelers aren't just chasing deals – they're chasing experiences that reflect who they are,' says Lesley Klein, SVP of Strategy and Brand Marketing at Priceline. 'That's where AI can really deliver. We recently launched Neighborhood Navigator, a new tool that helps travelers find their perfect neighborhood in a new city by cross-matching with neighborhoods they like elsewhere. Combined with additional features like our new Trip Vibe Selector and AI-powered Penny Maps, we're helping customers personalize their trips to align with their interests and passions.' Arrivia's personalization engines have shown 10–12x higher conversion rates when customized travel offers are delivered based on past travel behavior, booking history, and even dining preferences. Think Amazon Prime, but for travel—with every touchpoint curated based on data. When strategy meets technology and the consumers preferences are clearly considered the opportunity to drive increase demand is significant. A person has a conversation with a Humanoid Robot from AI Life, on display at the Consumer ... More Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, Nevada on January 10, 2024. (Photo by Frederic J. BROWN / AFP) (Photo by FREDERIC J. BROWN/AFP via Getty Images) Zotara sees the experience economy being driven by two major forces: Interestingly, household composition (child vs. no child) was a bigger predictor of immersive travel behavior than age alone when I published my research on youth culture trends. We also discussed the double-edged sword of loyalty benefits. Take American Express: once famed for its 'buy one, get one' first-class offer, it eventually sunsetted the perk. 'If you take something away, you better replace it with something remarkable,' said Zotara. 'Consumers notice—and they're not shy.' In its place? A web of monthly benefits—Uber credits, streaming services, Grubhub perks. The logic? Provide continuous value that keeps cardholders engaged every month, not just on their annual vacation. Zotara outlined what separates great programs from forgettable ones: As Zotara summarized: 'The best loyalty programs are the ones you live with—not just ones you use when you fly.'
Forbes
21-05-2025
- Forbes
10 Travel Experiences For Your UAE Bucket List
Stargaze, soar and safari through the Arabian Peninsula. The United Arab Emirates isn't short on showstoppers. Beyond the record-breaking skyscrapers and glittering shopping malls, though, lies a trove of unforgettable experiences that are worthy of your bucket list. Whether gazing at starlit skies in the world's largest sand desert, mountain biking through emerald wadis in the Hajar Mountains or partaking in a sophisticated afternoon tea at the Burj Khalifa, the country delivers activities as diverse as its landscapes. From immersive fine dining in an aquarium to ziplining at the UAE's highest peak, these 10 travel experiences showcase the country's wild beauty, cultural richness and knack for world-class luxury for both first-time and frequent visitors. To the infinity pool and beyond. One of the best ways to appreciate the engineering marvel that is Palm Jumeirah — the plant-shaped archipelago that has a central trunk, fronds and a surrounding crescent — is a dip in Cloud 22's infinity sky pool at Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star Atlantis The Royal. The glamorous, adults-only rooftop pool club offers unparalleled views of Palm Jumeirah and the gulf from 315 feet; a menu serving Mediterranean fare; and a chic swim-up bar. For the ultimate pool day in Dubai, reserve a floating bed, sun lounger or cabana with a plunge pool, or indulge in a luxurious pool villa. Eat in the company of stingrays and sharks. You can enjoy fine dining like nowhere else at Ossiano, an immersive culinary concept 33 feet underground at Four-Star Atlantis, The Palm, in one of the region's largest aquariums. A 10-course meal at the Five-Star eatery feels both like a journey through the world's coastal landscapes and an ode to seasonality, terroir and sea foraging. Sample beautifully presented dishes like scallops with white corn, almond and coconut, and Norwegian langoustine with passionfruit and jalapeño. You'll dine in the company of stingrays, sharks, moray eels and schools of fish, all gliding past the restaurant's floor-to-ceiling windows. Learn about Arab astronomers and the constellations. To peer into the skies in the UAE's most impressive natural landscape, head to Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara in Abu Dhabi's Liwa region, a two-and-a-half-hour drive from Abu Dhabi city. Built like a grand desert fortress with watchtowers, regal fountains and palm-tree-lined walking paths, the resort is at the edge of Rub' al Khali. Here in this vast sandy landscape (also known as the Empty Quarter), colossal dunes create a breathtaking setting for stargazing — an activity that the resort can organize. After a short desert drive, find yourself under a starlit night sky in the company of an enthusiastic adventure guide and stargazer. Learn about the achievements of Arab astronomers and spot constellations, stars and planets through a telescope over an evening of spirited storytelling. Discover the beauty of the Dubai sands. For a unique perspective in Dubai, make your way to the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve with the experts at Platinum Heritage on a Heritage Desert Safari. Accompanied by a conservation guide, you'll discover the beauty of the Dubai desert, learn about the native flora and fauna, and spot sand gazelles and Arabian oryx, all from the comfort of a Land Rover Defender. Afterward, sit down to an Emirati dinner and shisha and partake in traditional dancing and drumming for a fun end to the evening. For a more upscale option that involves sunset canapes, a private cabana with a falconry demonstration, a six-course meal by a respected chef and a dazzling display of fire and acrobatics, book the Platinum Desert Safari. This high-end desert outing can be arranged during a stay at Five-Star Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach. After ziplining, glide over to Anantara Mina Al Arab Ras Al Khaimah Resort. For a brag-worthy adventure in the UAE, head to Jebel Jais in Ras Al Khaimah, the country's highest peak, standing 6,345 feet above sea level in the Hajar Mountains. At the Jais Adventure Center, zip across the valley from 5,511 feet on Jais Flight, reaching thrilling speeds of 75 to 99 miles per hour as you soar above jagged desert mountains, winding roads and plunging canyons on one of the world's longest ziplines. For a less terrifying alternative, consider the Jais Sledder, a rider-operated toboggan that you'll maneuver around the slopes at 25 miles per hour. Consider Anantara Mina Al Arab Ras Al Khaimah Resort for a luxurious base for excitement in the emirate. Between adventures, you'll find gorgeous overwater villas, a natural mangrove reserve and plenty of watersports here. Admire the elegant, dhow-shaped Dubai Opera. A striking example of contemporary architecture in the city, the Dubai Opera is worth visiting to admire its elegant, dhow-shaped design — a nod to the city's maritime heritage — and to glimpse at its beautiful interior. Guided tours of the opera give a closer look at the building's design, sculptures and artworks while granting behind-the-scenes access to the fascinating backstage areas. For an even more enchanting evening, check out the official program and book tickets to watch ballet, contemporary dance, a concert or a stand-up comedy show. Nearby, Five-Star Armani Hotel Dubai, in the Burj Khalifa, is an excellent choice for a stylish stay in Dubai's most prestigious neighborhood. Kayak on the quiet waters. Leave Dubai's urban attractions behind and drive 90 minutes to Hatta, a town at the foot of the Hajar Mountains, just north of the protected Hatta Mountain Reserve. Here, a landscape of rugged peaks, emerald lakes, palm groves and rocky wadis provides abundant opportunities for adventure — whether you're hiking or biking along the area's 20 miles of trails. Nearby, at Hatta Dam, rent a kayak and enjoy a peaceful few hours on the quiet waters, surrounded by dramatic peaks. The activity center at Wadi Hub offers more fun in the form of archery, ax throwing, a ropes course and zorbing (rolling downhill in a hamster-like wheel). Recharge on Bluewaters Island. While there are many reasons to visit Banyan Tree Dubai on Bluewaters Island, a highlight is the understatedly elegant Banyan Tree Spa, which promises to leave you relaxed with its extensive menu of illuminating facials, revitalizing body treatments, herbal baths and soothing massages that draw upon Asian wellness heritages. But if you seek quick rejuvenation after a day of adventures in Dubai, don't think twice before booking the 60-minute Rainforest Experience, a hydrothermal journey through a series of steam rooms, saunas, themed showers, Jacuzzis and jets in a recommended sequence. Afternoon tea and astounding views are always on the menu here. To see Dubai's most astounding views in style, skip the crowded observation decks at the Burj Khalifa and head to Four-Star Restaurant and Lounge, set at a dizzying height of 1,450 feet, on the 122nd floor of the world's tallest skyscraper. Over afternoon tea at the lounge, take in the sophisticated French art deco interiors while you nibble (freshly baked scones, mini sandwiches), sip (premium coffees, teas and champagne) and feast on astounding panoramic views over the city. Aquaventure World is 50 acres of splash-filled fun. There are a host of epic underwater exploits for all ages at Aquaventure World back at Atlantis, The Palm. The splashy wonderland sits on more than 50 acres, which means some strategizing will be in order if your goal is to ride the world's largest waterslide tube, float on the longest river in the region and see as many of the nearly 65,000 marine animals as possible. To help with the latter activity, go diving or snorkeling under the guidance of professionals to see stingrays, sharks and hundreds of other animal species up close.
