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Airbnb expands into services and experiences, plans more social and AI features
TechCrunchยท 2025-05-13 18:30
Core Insights - Airbnb has introduced a new feature allowing travelers to book services and experiences alongside their accommodations, aiming to enhance user engagement and capitalize on existing site traffic [1][2][12] Group 1: New Offerings - The new feature enables bookings for services such as massages, haircuts, and chef-prepared meals, which can be added to stays or booked independently [1][4] - Initially, services will be available in 10 categories across 100 cities in 8 countries, with experiences spanning 19 categories in 1,000 cities globally [4][6] - Exclusive experiences called Airbnb Originals will be launched, featuring celebrity partnerships for unique activities [8] Group 2: Competitive Landscape - The introduction of these services positions Airbnb in direct competition with other travel companies like Tripadvisor, Booking.com, and service providers like Yelp [4] Group 3: User Experience Enhancements - The app update includes a revamped interface for guests and hosts, allowing exploration and booking from Stay, Services, and Experiences categories [12][13] - Social features are being developed to enhance user interaction, including group chat functionalities for shared experiences [14][17] Group 4: Revenue Model - Airbnb will take a 15% commission from services and a 20% commission from experiences, with users seeing a single price during booking [11] Group 5: AI Integration - The company is leveraging AI for customer service, with plans for an AI assistant to provide personalized trip planning and support [18][20]