Airbnb Launches New Celebrity Experiences: What to Know for Travellers

For most travellers, Airbnb has always been a practical way to find a place to stay, whether it’s a cosy home base in Tokyo, a seaside apartment in Barcelona or a kampung-style hut in Bali. But in its latest move, Airbnb is turning that idea on its head. This year, the platform quietly rolled out something new, not just in listings, but new ways to experience a destination, through the people who shape it.

A closer look at Airbnb Originals

Airbnb’s latest update introduces celebrity-hosted experiences, now grouped under a new category called Airbnb Originals. At first glance, it might seem like a gimmick. But for travellers who see destinations not just as backdrops, but as living, creative spaces, the shift is more than just promotional flair.

In Los Angeles, Megan Thee Stallion invites travellers to join her on an “otaku hottie quest” — a day of anime cosplay and transformation inspired by her long-time love of Japanese culture.

In Kansas City, NFL star Patrick Mahomes is offering a relaxed Sunday gathering, where guests can learn how to throw a football and share a plate of local barbecue.

Also read: Top Airbnbs Near New York City Within Driving Distance

And In Seoul, K-pop group Seventeen is celebrating their ten-year journey by creating a space for fans to walk through the songs and memories that shaped their rise.

None of these are typical Airbnb activities. They are designed as intimate, one-off encounters that offer a brief but memorable way to engage with a host’s world. While not every traveller will snag a spot (most experiences are free, but extremely limited), the message is clear: Airbnb wants travel to feel meaningful again.

Experiences beyond the headlines

Beyond the celebrity names, the company is also expanding its Experiences and Services categories. Travellers can now book a wide range of offerings alongside their accommodation. This could mean learning to make pastries with a French chef in Paris, joining a beach volleyball session with an Olympian in Rio, or simply arranging for a private massage or catered dinner during your stay. It’s Airbnb’s answer to Viator, GetYourGuide, and even your hotel concierge, all woven directly into the booking flow.

What this means for Singaporean travellers

For Singaporean travellers, this update might feel especially timely. More of us are planning multi-stop trips, working remotely abroad, or travelling with parents and kids in tow. Having a reliable way to book a meal, a guide, or a wellness experience in advance through a platform we’re already using, which reduces friction and helps build richer trips. It also opens up new ways of exploring a city, not just by seeing the sights, but by learning a craft, sharing a meal, or joining a local ritual.

A more connected and personalised platform

Airbnb’s newly revamped app makes this easier. Once you’ve booked a stay, it now recommends nearby services and experiences based on your group size and destination. The interface is clearer, more intuitive, and comes with an itinerary view that outlines each activity day by day.

There’s also a social dimension quietly brewing. Later this year, Airbnb plans to introduce a feature that lets you chat with other travellers who’ve shared the same experience. This is something that might appeal to solo travellers or those hoping to meet new people abroad.

Travel that’s more than transactional

Of course, celebrity access is not the main draw for everyone. But the underlying shift in how Airbnb frames travel is worth noting. It’s no longer just about where you sleep, but more about who you meet, what you learn, and how these moments leave a mark.

Whether or not you end up doing K-pop karaoke with Seventeen, the next time you open Airbnb, you might find yourself thinking differently about what a trip could be.