First Airbnb Online Experience launched in Malaysia

Airbnb Online Experiences

Airbnb Online Experiences have evolved to become one of guests’ favourite ways to be “transported to new destinations” while at home, and now Airbnb is bringing the first-ever experience to the Malaysian audience. Collaborating with Malaysian artist and creative entrepreneur, Marini Ramlan (also known as Nini Marini), guests around the world can participate in creative adventures with Nini starting 10 June 2020.

A popular figure in Malaysia’s art scene, Nini Marini has created artworks in a variety of mediums including ceramics, textiles, metals, and even artificial intelligence. Her abstract yet decorative style is bold, accessible, and imaginative, and has led to her working with Malaysian designers and global brands alike.

In the spirit of Hari Raya festivities, Nini will be teaching guests how to weave using t-shirts during her online session, Weaving with Tees.

“I am delighted to have the opportunity to connect with a global community and celebrate my love for the arts by hosting the first Malaysia-based Online Experience,” said Nini. “T-shirt weaving is a fun, simple and creative activity that anyone can take part in, and with all of us celebrating Raya differently this year I truly believe this is a great way for families and friends to spend time together virtually. I’m also hopeful that this will inspire more Malaysians to start hosting their own Online Experiences and sharing their own passions with the rest of the world.”

“Human connection is at the core of Airbnb Experiences, and the launch of Online Experiences has helped provide an opportunity for our hosts to connect with our global community of guests in the only way possible right now, online,” lamented Parin Mehta, Asia Pacific director of Airbnb Experiences.

According to Airbnb, its Online Experiences have rapidly gained popularity since its global launch, with 20,000 seats booked in the first two weeks. In Asia Pacific alone, bookings have increased 250 per cent from week of launch to date.

Based on a recently commissioned Airbnb online survey, guests booked Online Experiences to be entertained (63 per cent), to learn something new (60 per cent), and to experience other cultures and lifestyles (56 per cent).

Food and Drink is the most popular category globally, accounting for nearly 40 per cent of seats booked. In the Asia Pacific, this is followed closely by Sports and Wellness as well as Arts and Culture.

Among the most booked Online Experiences in countries around the Asia Pacific include:

Host or join an Online Experience

If you’re looking for family-oriented activities to enjoy there are over 50 Airbnb Online Experiences available led by hosts around the world. You can learn to cook Cape Malay curry or authentic Moroccan dishes, and round it off with some sweet treats such as Japanese mochi and Italian tiramisu.

Airbnb Online Experiences provide a new way for people to connect, travel virtually, and earn income during the COVID-19 crisis. The tourism and travel industry has been badly impacted by the global pandemic. Through Airbnb Online Experiences, hosts can continue to earn, while guests can also learn a new skill, safety connect with others, or pursue and interest.

If you’re interested in hosting, visit airbnb.com/onlinehost. To browse and participate in a wide range of Online Experience, head to airbnb.com/online-experiences.


Latest news


Subscribe to Vernonchan.comNever miss a story, read stories on Feedly and Medium


Disclosure: Keep in mind that VERNONCHAN.COM may receive commissions when you click our links and make purchases. Clicking on these links cost you nothing and it helps to cover some of the costs for the upkeep of the site. While we may receive commissions, this does not impact our reviews, views and opinions which remain independent, fair, and balanced. Thank you for your support.

Vernon
Vernon is the founder and chief editor of Vernonchan.com. A graphic designer by profession, he has a deep love for technology, cars, gadgets, food, and travel. He tweets too much and is also known as a caffeine bacterium ("life's too short for bad coffee"). Bleeds Blue (go Chelsea FC!) and considers BMW, Porsche, Alfa Romeo cars to have in the garage--hallmarks of a true petrolhead.