Investing.com -- Airbnb Inc (NASDAQ:ABNB), a popular online platform for vacation rentals, has announced the launch of Airbnb Services, Airbnb Experiences, and a completely redesigned app. The new offerings are aimed at enhancing the overall travel experience for customers, providing them with more than just a place to stay.
Speaking to The Wall Street Journal, CEO and Co-Founder Brian Chesky emphasized the launches as a transformative moment for the company, explaining, "Basically, it’s the Airbnb of anything."
Airbnb Services offers a range of amenities and conveniences, similar to those found in hotels, right at your Airbnb. These services include in-home meals from professional chefs, personalized photography sessions, massages, spa treatments, personal training sessions, hair and makeup services, nail treatments, prepared meals, and full-service catering. The company has launched with 10 categories in 260 cities, with new offerings and locations to be added regularly.
The company has ensured that the services are vetted for quality, with hosts having an average of 10 years of experience, having completed Airbnb’s identity verification process, and possessing relevant licenses and certifications. Many of the hosts are renowned in their fields, including Michelin-starred chefs, award-winning photographers, and elite trainers.
The newly introduced Airbnb Experiences are designed to provide more authentic ways to explore a city. Hosted by locals who are well-versed with their city, these experiences include landmark, museum, and cultural experiences, food tours, cooking classes, dining experiences, outdoor activities, gallery tours, art workshops, shopping experiences, workout, wellness, and beauty experiences. The company is launching experiences in 650 cities around the world and plans to add more daily.
Airbnb has also unveiled Airbnb Originals, a collection of extraordinary experiences hosted by the world’s most interesting people, designed exclusively for Airbnb. Some of these unique experiences are even hosted by global celebrities.
The company has also redesigned its app from the ground up to accommodate these new offerings. The app now suggests services and experiences based on the location of your stay and your companions. It also provides a detailed itinerary, including check-in details and a day-by-day view of everything booked on Airbnb.
The redesigned app includes new features like an all-new homepage to discover homes, experiences, and services, an advanced travel itinerary, a revamped messaging platform, and a redesigned Airbnb profile. The app also includes new tools for hosts to manage their home, service, or experience more efficiently.
The new Airbnb Services, Airbnb Experiences, and the redesigned app are available starting today. Hosts can access upgrades by enrolling in Airbnb Early Access in the app.
Since the announcement, Airbnb stock has gained 2.8%, as investors weigh the company’s potential amid this drastic service expansion.