Airbnb launch new original ‘experiences' and ‘services' as part of the platform's app expansion
Short-term rental booking giant Airbnb has announced sweeping changes to its platform, with the $84 billion company intent on becoming a one-stop shop for a traveller's wants and needs.
On Tuesday, the company's cofounder Brian Chesky announced that the new offerings to the platform — including 'Services' and 'Originals' — would help bolster the company for the future of travel and strengthen its appeal against the increasingly fierce competition with hotels.
Unveiling the new aspects of the app in Los Angeles, Mr Chesky said Airbnb Services — which essentially allows people to hire on-site professionals, such as chefs, hairdressers and personal trainers direct from the app — will allow an Airbnb property to become more of a 'hotel' in nature.
Speaking to Business Insider, Dave Stephenson — Airbnb's chief business officer — said the beauty of 'Services' means that people can combine the appeal of a short-term rental with amenities typically offered by a hotel.
'People choose Airbnb often because of their location and amenities, but our amenities usually are maybe more space, more bedrooms, maybe a washer-dryer,' he said. 'But then there are still things that we don't provide that a hotel does.'
Airbnb said that services are available in 260 cities, including some services in Sydney — such as a personal trainer in Bondi — and even in Melbourne, and that many start below $50.
'Originals' on the other hand, is marketed at travellers who want the ultimate in travel experiences. Dubbed as 'extraordinary experiences hosted by the world's most interesting people', these curated 'originals' include learning pastry-making at the renowned French Bastards bakery with chef Raphaelle Elbaz, or playing beach volleyball with Olympian Carol Solberg on Rio's iconic Leblon Beach.
And if you're a celebrity-lover, some of the selections named so far include hanging out on the Short n' Sweet tour set with Sabrina Carpenter, creating an anime alter-ego with Megan Thee Stallion and throwing a ball with NFL star Patrick Mahomes.
The announcement of 'Originals' and 'Services', which will be available as part of the reimagined app from today, follows the success of ventures like the Barbie Malibu DreamHouse and Bluey's House in Queensland.
Last year, the short-stay giant introduced a permanent category called 'Icons,' which featured exclusive stays in partnership with brands and celebrities that promise unforgettable experiences.
One of those was Pixar's UP house, which was a home suspended over the New Mexico desert by a giant crane.
Other 'Icon' listings included a two-dimensional replica of the mansion from the 'X-Men '97' cartoon, a stay at the Ferrari Museum in Italy and the Minneapolis house immortalised in Prince's 'Purple Rain.'
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