Puppy rescue and ‘tea with naughty sheep’: Airbnb adds animal-themed experiences
NEW
YORK: Airbnb on Thursday (Oct 3) began offering “Animal Experiences” – promising harmony with nature, from
lazing with alpacas to helping dogs struggling to survive in the aftermath of the Chernobyl nuclear disaster.
The startup expanded beyond home-sharing services about three years ago into offering ways for travellers to dive into local happenings.
Airbnb has built a line-up of “experiences,” in which lodging comes with conduits to local cuisine, arts, music, outdoor adventures and even socially-minded activities.
Animal Experiences promises travellers getaways that could allow them to engage with many kinds of creatures and their “human advocates” – and ways that might help, instead of harm, nature.
“With technology taking up so much of our lives, it’s easy to feel disconnected from nature and animals,” Airbnb co-founder and chief executive Brian Chesky said during a presentation in New York.