Airbnb rebrands as a focused travel destination service - Airbnb Undergoes Transformation: A Fresh Approach to Housing and Accommodation Services
Airbnb Expands Offerings, Introduces Services and Enhanced Experiences
Airbnb, the popular online accommodation platform, has taken a significant step forward, launching a new app that offers a wide array of experiences and services in addition to its traditional accommodations.
Upon opening the app, users are greeted with three large buttons - "Accommodations," "Discoveries," and "Services." The new offerings are designed to provide the best of both worlds - accommodations with the added convenience of services.
Brian Chesky, co-founder and CEO of Airbnb, expressed excitement in a press release, stating, "People choose hotels for their services. On Airbnb, they choose the accommodation. Now we offer the best of both worlds - fantastic accommodations with services that make them even more unique."
The "Services" category introduces ten categories of in-home or on-demand services, similar to amenities traditionally offered by hotels. These include in-home dining, prepared meals, full-service catering, personalized photo shoots, massage and spa treatments, personal fitness and yoga sessions, and hair, makeup, and nail services. Users can book these services, even without booking an Airbnb stay, broadening accessibility beyond travelers.
The "Discoveries" section offers unique experiences, currently available in over 650 cities. Offerings are diverse, ranging from flamenco dance lessons in Madrid to a tour of Berlin's street food scene. In Paris, for instance, users can learn how to bake authentic French croissants.
Airbnb Originals, promotions involving real celebrities, are also highlighted. Interested parties can meet "Machete" star Danny Trejo or rapper Megan Thee Stallion, go surfing with surfer Danny Fuller, or play beach volleyball with Olympic participant Carol Solberg.
Despite the expanded offerings, Airbnb continues to face criticism, particularly in Spain. The platform has been accused of driving up rents and contributing to the housing crisis. Recently, it was reported that Airbnb is no longer allowed to offer over 65,000 apartments in Spain due to regulatory violations. Airbnb has announced plans to appeal the decisions.
Airbnb's 2025 Summer Release represents a move beyond home rentals, transforming the platform into a comprehensive travel and lifestyle service. The new app offers guests hotel-like conveniences and unique local experiences in hundreds of cities worldwide.
With the 2025 Summer Release, Airbnb has transformed into a comprehensive travel and lifestyle service, allowing users to book in-home services such as massage therapy, personal fitness sessions, and even DNA testing – a leap from just home rentals. In the meantime, the debate over the platform's impact on local housing markets persists, with controversies continuing in Spain regarding rental regulations.
