Airbnb is expanding its services beyond the home, unveiling a major platform update that repositions it as a one-stop travel hub.
The announcement introduces Airbnb Services, a suite of bookable in-stay offerings, a revamped Airbnb Experiences program, and a completely redesigned app to house it all.
Tapping into traveller demand for hotel-style perks with the comfort of private accommodation, Airbnb Services launches across 260 cities with 10 categories including chefs, massage therapists, photographers and personal trainers.
Services range from in-home spa treatments to private meals cooked by Michelin-level chefs – many priced under US$50 (around AU$80).
Unlike many traditional service platforms, the US giant says the new offerings are all vetted. Hosts undergo ID verification, must provide relevant licences, and average of a decade of experience. From facials to full-service catering, every detail is curated to match guest expectations and host expertise, according to Airbnb. And significantly, you don’t need to stay in an Airbnb to use them – locals can book services from home, too.
Meanwhile, Airbnb Experiences has also had a glow-up.
Originally launched in 2016, the reimagined program now covers 650 cities and focuses on authenticity and local knowledge. New additions include Airbnb Originals, exclusive experiences hosted by experts and celebrities – from ramen-making with a Michelin-awarded chef to training with an Olympic athlete.
Again, each experience is vetted for quality, reputation and relevance. The company says it’s dialling up the social side as well, with upcoming features allowing users to connect with other guests before, during and after their experience.
“People choose hotels for their services. People choose Airbnbs for the space,” Airbnb co-founder and CEO Brian Chesky said.
“Now, we’re giving you the best of both worlds – amazing homes with services that make them even more special.”
Meanwhile, the online giant is dialling up its focus on the Asia-Pacific region, unveiling a new leadership lineup to supercharge growth for its newly reimagined Experiences platform.
An app to rule them all
To bring it all together, Airbnb has rebuilt its app from the ground up. What was once a tool to book a stay now becomes a central hub for accommodation, services and experiences – all with smarter suggestions and an integrated itinerary.
The app’s new Explore tab helps users find experiences and services based on destination, date and group size.
Elsewhere, the Trips tab offers a real-time schedule of bookings and the upgraded Messages function includes photo and video sharing plus in-chat payments.
For hosts, new listing tools and calendar views make it easier to manage bookings hour-by-hour, and the Airbnb Setup flow simplifies onboarding for both services and experience providers.
Airbnb says the update reflects its long-term vision of reshaping travel by making it more personalised, flexible and connected.
The changes are live globally from today.
“Seventeen years ago, we changed the way people travel. More than two billion guests later, Airbnb is synonymous with a place to stay,”
“With the launch of services and experiences, we’re changing travel again. Now you can Airbnb more than an Airbnb.”
