Greetings Airbnb Hosts,
I recently tried, and was denied, to add an "experience" of a private wine tasting tour. I looked in our region, a major wine country, prior to attempting to add, and found there is only one wine tasting tour "experience" offered. Mine was declined because Airbnb decided it wasn't "experience-y" enough; that mine was just a lowly "service." I'm not sure how much more of an "experience" a PRIVATE wine tasting tour could be, offeriing a private vehicle, dedicated driver, and a custom tailored itinerary, considering the three main elements (Hospitality, Expertise, Insider access) would be more than satisfied, but it's irrelevant now. I'm not going to pursue it any further than this here which is sad...for me, for you, and for your guests.
I mean, I can understand wanting licensed, verifiable & legitimate businesses, etc. (which, btw, the one wine tasting experience I saw in the region I was attempting to offer, was not a licensed company, it was a private individual conducting tours which seems more shady, but I guess it's more "experience-y") but overall, for a service like Airbnb which seems to portray itself as a altnerative option, why it, and by extension, you all, would want to discriminate, limit or otherwise inhibit your guests options while visiting your region, wherever you may be, seems counter-intuitive and counter-productive, for everyone.
UPDATE: I just did another search for the region, before posting this, and found a public/shared tour that has been added since I submitted my Private Tour. I am at a loss as to how this public/shared tour service, is in some way, more of an "experience" than the Private wine tasting tour, which I am offering? Maybe just because it has some kitschy, old vehicle? But I am baffled as to how a couple potentially being forced to spend a day with strangers is somehow more of an "experience" than having a privately hosted, privately conducted, and custom tailored wine tasting tour. (Note: it doesn't appear they are licensed, or at least the license number is not posted on their site, which would be unusual.)
So, the question I'd like to pose to all hosts is: why would you, or Airnbnb, not want to avail your guests of all the various "things to do" in the region in which they are staying? I'm really just curious how you all, as hosts, feel about this? Do you agree that Airbnb should dictate which options are available to your guests through this platform? Or do you, as I would if I were a host, want a plethora of options available (experiences, services, whatever) so your guests can plan their trip more effieciently, effectively and to their liking while they stay at your place?
Please share, if you are so inclined.
Thank you for your time.
Jason
P.S. If I sound bitter, my apologies, but I am. I just think this is so ridiculous and was compelled to share with everyone what I feel is pretty inexplicable and unjustifiable.
