During the past decade, the Airbnb platform has grown to have 4.5 million properties listed. With all that inventory, CEO Brian Chesky said that he believes Airbnb has "something for everyone. It's just been really, really hard to find”.
Ten years after it launched, Airbnb has announced new property categories, properties with higher vetting standards, a luxury vacation division and a loyalty programme.
During the past decade, the Airbnb platform has grown to have 4.5 million properties listed. With all that inventory, CEO Brian Chesky said that he believes Airbnb has "something for everyone. It's just been really, really hard to find”.
To help guests find exactly what they are looking for, Airbnb has added four new property types to its platform. In addition to its existing Shared Space, Private Room and Entire Home categories, guests can now search by Vacation Home, Unique Space, B&B, and Boutique, giving hosts a total of seven categories for listings.
Chesky said that in addition to those categories, Airbnb will be adding "thousands" of search categories, so that guests will be able to search for categories and amenities as varied and specific as Rustic, Balcony, Family Friendly, Near Zoo, Crib, etc.
"We are creating the world's largest home database," said Chesky.
The company also launched two housing collections, Airbnb for Family and Airbnb for Work. The company said collections for social stays, weddings, honeymoons, group getaways and dinner parties are coming later this year.
Also unveiled was Airbnb Plus, a tier of homes that provide "outstanding hospitality," according to the company. Airbnb Plus kicks off with 2,000 homes in 13 cities that have been verified for a higher level of quality and comfort, such as premium bathrooms, bedding and kitchens, Chesky said.
They will also have a dedicated customer-service team. There is a one-time US$149 host application fee to apply to be listed as an Airbnb Plus property.
The company has also launched a luxury travel division, Beyond by Airbnb. Following the acquisition of Luxury Retreats last year, Beyond by Airbnb will offer custom-designed trips that include "the world's finest homes, custom experiences and world-class hospitality”, said Airbnb.
Additionally, the company is expanding its Superhost programme with new and updated benefits, including more exposure, custom URLs for their listings and exclusive pricing on smart home devices, starting with a partnership with Nest to offer Superhosts discounted products.
And a new Superguest programme will be coming later this summer that will offer qualifying guests perks such as airport pickups, additional services and amenities.
Source: Travel Weekly USA