I hazard a guess that it could be somewhat based on the Australian gliding scene model, where so-called AEI, Air Experience Instructors, are more experienced pilots checked out to fly from back seat (normally tandem 2 seater seat config) and are able to let the Joe Public try turns and S&L handling higher up, but not launch and circuit+landing.
Which does not necessitate regular basic or senior instructor, trained to be proficient at teaching/troubleshooting take offs and landings.
It's meant to show people what it's like to be in air/flying, to help them decide if they'd liek to take up flying/start training.
In gliding in general, it's not about minimum hours in log, although the minimum training to go solo could be prescribed in some countries or for 'glider rating/private'.
There is no equivalent of AEI 'instructor' in UK or Central Europe as far as I know. Power flying wannabes may want to have the flight loggable for future training and commercial schools or bigger clubs would likely still require certain experience pilots or indeed only instructors to conduct trial flights/demos for insurance reasons or what.
Person still pays at least for aircraft costs, so it's grey area indeed.