How Airbnb is moving from the city to the countryside | News
Mitra Sorrells (Phocuswright) talks to Airbnb CSO Nathan Blecharczyk about new services and AI at Airbnb
Airbnb offers a range of services in addition to accommodation, from airport shuttles and city tours to private chefs. Nathan Blecharczyk, speaking at ITB Berlin, described it as the booking portal for a complete travel experience. According to Airbnb’s co-founder and CSO, his company depends on AI in several areas. In customer service, a third of all support requests are already handled by AI. The technology can also help with trip planning, as Airbnb has in-depth knowledge of its customers based on booking history and their interests, according to Blecharczyk.
New services
During the session titled “Bet on Nature: How Airbnb’s Innovation is Shaping the Next Era of Travel,” he discussed many innovations on the portal. The option to book first and pay later was first introduced in Germany and is now available in more and more countries. Smaller boutique hotels can now also be booked through Airbnb, promising the same authentic travel experience as private accommodations.
Relaxing in nature
Airbnb started its operations in major metropolitan areas, but current booking trends point toward rural areas. Nathan Blecharczyk notes a growing desire for peace and nature, especially among Generation Z, possibly in contrast to permanent availability. According to Nathan Blecharczyk, Airbnb allows places where there is no hotel accommodation to enter the tourism market.
He views the relationship with the city council as a partnership. Airbnb, for example, has forwarded taxes from hosts to local authorities, he said. In cities where Airbnb was banned or severely restricted, the housing market did not relax as expected. On the contrary, rents continued to rise disproportionately, he added. Airbnb currently ranks Brazil and India among the fastest growing destinations. However, the Silicon Valley company also wants to further strengthen European markets such as Germany and Italy. Nathan Blecharczyk sees good prospects in the countryside there.
