Airbnb is reinventing the way we travel—and live—with a refreshed app experience and brand-new offerings that go beyond vacation rentals. At a star-studded event in Los Angeles, CEO Brian Chesky revealed a redesigned Airbnb app along with the launch of two major features: curated “Experiences” and professional “Services.”
Originally launched in 2007 from Chesky’s own San Francisco apartment, Airbnb has grown from humble beginnings into a global platform. After weathering the challenges of the pandemic, Airbnb became profitable for the first time in 2022. Now, with travel booming once again, the company is expanding its ecosystem to cater to a broader lifestyle market.
What’s New: Services and Experiences
The new “Services” feature allows users to book premium offerings such as catered meals, massages, fitness sessions, makeup services, and even professional photography. These services are available in 260 cities and are open to everyone—not just travelers booking accommodations.
Meanwhile, “Experiences” offer immersive, curated adventures. Think sipping mezcal with a sommelier in Mexico City or exploring ancient temples with a mystic in Peru. Airbnb is also introducing “Airbnb Originals”, an exclusive tier of extraordinary experiences led by global icons. Examples include dance lessons in Seoul with a K-pop star or a private tour of Notre Dame with the architect behind its restoration.
Designed for Everyday Life, Not Just Travel
According to Jud Coplan, Airbnb’s VP of Product Marketing, these new features are meant to extend the Airbnb experience beyond vacations. Even if you’re not traveling, you can enjoy services in your own home. Hosts can also leverage these offerings to generate new income streams by expanding their hospitality into lifestyle experiences.
All service providers are rigorously vetted, with an average of 10 years of experience and proper licensing and verification through Airbnb’s onboarding process.
Enhanced App Features
Along with new content, Airbnb’s app is getting smarter and more social. The updated design includes:
- One-click access to Experiences and Services
- Improved messaging and photo-sharing tools
- A calendar that syncs with Google Calendar
- A dynamic Profile section to view past trips and travel contacts
With these new features, Airbnb is blurring the lines between travel and everyday life. Whether you’re exploring a new city or relaxing at home, Airbnb wants to be your go-to for memorable, meaningful experiences.
Source: (Mashable)
