Airbnb is shifting gears as it seeks to enrich the user experience on its platform, introducing services that appeal to travelers looking for a more luxurious touch. In a notable announcement, Airbnb’s CEO Brian Chesky emphasized that this development aims to create a dual value proposition, marrying the spacious benefit of homes with high-end hospitality services typically found in hotels.
Launching initially in 260 cities, the new features will offer a range of options from luxury spa treatments and personal photography sessions to makeup artistry, all starting at prices below $50 (£37.57). Notably, these services will also be accessible to individuals who are not renting accommodations through the platform, marking a significant extension of Airbnb's appeal.
In addition to this, the refreshed app highlights a reworked experiences tab that allows users to book unique tours and activities never before seen within the platform. This follows the experiences model first introduced in 2016, catering to a growing demand for customized travel experiences. Gary Bowerman, a director at Check-in Asia, expressed that travelers are increasingly seeking tailored experiences rather than merely focusing on logistics of travel.
Furthermore, the new app features an "originals" tab, showcasing exclusive adventures, such as playing beach volleyball in Rio de Janeiro with an Olympic athlete or spending a day with NFL star Patrick Mahomes. Such bespoke offerings echo a broader industry trend in luxury travel, accentuated by the desire for unique experiences among travelers, according to consultant Anastasia Oriordan.
With these innovative changes, Airbnb is not only responding to market trends but also reshaping the way people think about travel, offering a plethora of choices that go beyond mere accommodation.
Launching initially in 260 cities, the new features will offer a range of options from luxury spa treatments and personal photography sessions to makeup artistry, all starting at prices below $50 (£37.57). Notably, these services will also be accessible to individuals who are not renting accommodations through the platform, marking a significant extension of Airbnb's appeal.
In addition to this, the refreshed app highlights a reworked experiences tab that allows users to book unique tours and activities never before seen within the platform. This follows the experiences model first introduced in 2016, catering to a growing demand for customized travel experiences. Gary Bowerman, a director at Check-in Asia, expressed that travelers are increasingly seeking tailored experiences rather than merely focusing on logistics of travel.
Furthermore, the new app features an "originals" tab, showcasing exclusive adventures, such as playing beach volleyball in Rio de Janeiro with an Olympic athlete or spending a day with NFL star Patrick Mahomes. Such bespoke offerings echo a broader industry trend in luxury travel, accentuated by the desire for unique experiences among travelers, according to consultant Anastasia Oriordan.
With these innovative changes, Airbnb is not only responding to market trends but also reshaping the way people think about travel, offering a plethora of choices that go beyond mere accommodation.
