In brief
Airbnb's revamped app now allows users to book luxury services like personal trainers and massages, expanding its offerings beyond short-term rentals. Available in 260 cities, these services reflect a trend toward customized travel experiences, appealing to modern tourists seeking unique activities and convenience.
Airbnb is stepping up its game! The popular vacation rental platform just announced that users can now book luxury services like personal trainers, massages, and private chefs directly through its redesigned app. This move marks the company’s effort to diversify its offerings beyond just short-term accommodation, giving travelers more reasons to choose Airbnb over traditional hotels.According to CEO Brian Chesky, the new app combines the best of both worlds: “People choose hotels for their services. People choose Airbnbs for the space... now, we're giving you the best of both worlds.” The company is introducing these high-end services in 260 cities worldwide, with prices starting at under $50.These luxurious options aren't just for guests staying in Airbnbs—anyone can book them! Along with personalized services, Airbnb’s updated app now features a revamped experiences tab, letting users discover unique tours and activities, a service they first launched in 2016.Travel expert Gary Bowerman notes that tourists today are increasingly focused on customizing their experiences beyond traditional travel logistics. The app now also includes an "originals" tab featuring exclusive experiences, such as playing beach volleyball with Olympian Carol Solberg in Rio or hanging out with NFL star Patrick Mahomes on a Sunday.Luxury travel consultant Anastasia Oriordan emphasizes that the demand for unique experiences continues to grow, as travelers seek out fresh and exciting adventures to add to their itineraries. With these new features, Airbnb is tapping into a significant trend that prioritizes individual preferences in travel planning.
