Airbnb’s Push Into ‘Experiences’ Has Been a Slog

In November 2016, Airbnb Inc. featured photographer Martin Cohen in a public presentation touting its newly launched “Experiences” business line, which would let travelers book unusual and offbeat classes, tours and outings with self-proclaimed experts.

Mr. Cohen was initially confident that, with Airbnb’s backing, he would have a steady stream of customers for his night-sky photography class. But he says he stopped offering it last year, as bookings fell from a handful a month to an average of one.