Airbnb: Breaking new ground with the booking platform

Lisbon, Berlin, or Prague... for example, the online platform Airbnb has been helping people find a place to stay for a weekend trip for many years. However, the offering, which previously consisted only of accommodations, has recently expanded. The provider has launched a new app that now also offers experiences and services.

Three large buttons in the app immediately point to the new features upon opening. In addition to "Accommodations," there are also "Experiences" and "Services." Brian Chesky (43), co-founder and CEO of Airbnb, advertises in a press release: "People choose hotels for their services. On Airbnb, they choose the accommodation. Now we offer the best of both worlds—great accommodations with services that make them even more unique."

From chef to celebrity

According to the company, these services are currently available in more than 260 international cities at launch. However, the offering will be expanded "at regular intervals" and to additional locations. Therefore, it's not necessary to book accommodation to use the services. The services range from spa treatments and professional styling to training, photo shoots, catering, and chef-prepared meals. For example, it will be possible to book a massage or nails at short notice—even in your hometown.

The "Discoveries" are currently designed to offer special experiences in over 650 cities. Here, too, the offerings are diverse. These include flamenco dance lessons in Madrid or a tour of Berlin's street food scene. In Paris, for example, you can learn how to bake authentic French croissants. Experiences are also being promoted as so-called "Airbnb Originals," some of which even involve real celebrities. Those who book can meet "Machete" star Danny Trejo (81) or rapper Megan Thee Stallion (30). Interested parties can also surf with surfer Danny Fuller (43) or play beach volleyball with Olympian Carol Solberg (37).

Airbnb under criticism

Airbnb will likely have to come up with new ideas, however, as the platform has faced increasing criticism in recent years – for example, in Spain. Many people believe that services like Airbnb are leading to rising rents there and have therefore protested for affordable housing and against mass tourism.

It was recently reported that the platform is no longer allowed to offer more than 65,000 apartments in Spain. According to the Ministry of Consumer Protection, the reason is violations of regulations, such as missing license numbers. The company told the "Standard" through a spokesperson: "Airbnb will continue to appeal all decisions in this case." Accordingly, "no evidence of violations of regulations" has been presented. He continued: "The root cause of the affordable housing crisis in Spain is a lack of supply to meet demand. The solution is to build more apartments – anything else is a distraction."

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