key takeaways
- Airbnb recently launched a new feature to help travelers connect with each other.
- The company now offers features like direct messaging and other social networks for its guests.
- Airbnb CEO Brian Chesky previously said he wanted Airbnb to be an “everything app”.
Is Airbnb about to become the Tinder of travel?
When Airbnb launched its “Experiences” platform in May, guests in 260 cities could start booking activities including professional photo shoots, cooking lessons, spa sessions and hiking adventures — alone or with other guests. But the company soon learned through a recent survey that at least 70% of guests wanted to know more about other travelers joining them before booking an experience.
Now, Airbnb gets to “join CEO Brian Chesky’s dream”everything app“The company is launching new social features Become a place where travelers can not only meet new people but remain friends on the platform instead of exchanging Instagram handles or text messages.
Connected: Airbnb CEO says he personally manages 40 to 50 employees as direct reports: ‘A lot of work’
“Now, before you book, we’ll show you guests who are already going on that experience, as well as where they’re from,” the company said in a statement. Press release,
You can still connect with these potential new friends long after your trip. If you’ve forgotten to swap contact information (or got annoyed when asked), you can slide into their Airbnb DMs with a new direct messaging feature.
Airbnb is also adding a “Connections” page to the Profile tab for the next time you find friends.
Airbnb says you have control over whether or not to share your profile, who can message you, and how you’ll be displayed in other guests’ connections.
With all these new, potential friends, perhaps Airbnb’s next step is a wedding booking app.
Connected: Airbnb CEO says his company will be the place to find work after AI takes over your job: ‘Nobody wants a robot answering the door’
key takeaways
- Airbnb recently launched a new feature to help travelers connect with each other.
- The company now offers features like direct messaging and other social networks for its guests.
- Airbnb CEO Brian Chesky previously said he wanted Airbnb to be an “everything app”.
Is Airbnb about to become the Tinder of travel?
When Airbnb launched its “Experiences” platform in May, guests in 260 cities could start booking activities including professional photo shoots, cooking lessons, spa sessions and hiking adventures — alone or with other guests. But the company soon learned through a recent survey that at least 70% of guests wanted to know more about other travelers joining them before booking an experience.
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