Airbnb Wants to Woo Hotel Customers With Luxury Offerings
Airbnb is reportedly planning luxury offerings like personal chefs to entice travelers away from hotels. The company wants to move beyond accommodations and experiences to “services that will make it better for guests to stay in Airbnbs,” Chief Business Officer Dave Stephenson said in an interview with Bloomberg News.
Luxury Offerings by Airbnb
These services include the option to hire a personal chef, mid-week cleaning services, an easier check-in process, spa services, and refrigerator stocking. Stephenson shared that the idea for these new services stemmed from questions like what makes guests choose a hotel over an Airbnb and how the company can improve the marketplace experience for both guests and hosts.
Stephenson hinted that a formal announcement with more details about these luxury offerings could be expected early next year.
Airbnb's Growth and Strategies
In light of the Paris Olympics, Airbnb has been working on expanding its supply of vacation rentals in the French capital by 40%. Financially stable consumers, who are not living paycheck to paycheck, tend to indulge more on travel, with 40% stating that their spending on airfare has been indulgent.
Meanwhile, the luxury travel sector continues to thrive, with companies like Inspirato offering exclusive travel experiences to affluent clients. CEO Eric Grosse emphasized the importance of innovation and customer focus in catering to the evolving tastes of travelers. Inspirato provides custom travel experiences, handles trip planning, and ensures that members' preferences are met, including stocking the refrigerator upon arrival.
Grosse highlighted the need to understand the desires of members and adapt to economic trends to deliver exceptional service in the competitive travel industry.
