Airbnb Introduces Application Offering Excursions and Services
In a bold move to revolutionize the travel industry, Airbnb has announced its strategic expansion, aiming to become a comprehensive travel ecosystem beyond just lodging. As part of this ambitious plan, the company has introduced a range of new features and services, set to roll out globally starting today.
Mid-Trip Upgrades and Local Services
Launched quietly in 2025, Airbnb Services offer mid-trip upgrades that go beyond the traditional rental of space. These services, provided by vetted professional hosts, include everything from early check-in and airport rides to private chefs, photography, catering, spa treatments, personal training, and more. Remarkably, these services can be booked for stays or even locally, without travel, supporting local demand as well as travelers.
Revamped Airbnb Experiences
Airbnb Experiences have been tightly integrated into the booking flow within the app, aiming to make them a major revenue source alongside stays. A significant portion of bookings for Experiences and Services comes from locals, not just travelers. This move has made it easier for users to access curated local experiences through Airbnb.
The All-New Airbnb App
The redesigned Airbnb app brings homes, experiences, and services into one seamless platform. It offers features such as personalized recommendations based on travel location and companions, an updated profile showing travel history and connections, in-app messaging with the ability to share photos, videos, and customize services during trips, and a day-by-day trip itinerary view accessible even offline. This makes trip planning and management more unified and convenient.
New Payment Options
Airbnb has launched a "Reserve Now, Pay Later" feature in the U.S., allowing guests to book eligible domestic stays without full upfront payment. The full amount is due shortly before the end of the free cancellation window, with no credit check required. This move is aimed at improving affordability and flexibility, especially for group travelers, and is integrated alongside other options like "Pay Part Now, Part Later" and Klarna-powered installment plans.
Airbnb is investing $200 million+ in 2025 to build infrastructure, teams, and vetting tools to scale Services and Experiences. This multi-vertical expansion with AI-driven personalized support and tighter app integration targets becoming a broader travel marketplace while maintaining host-driven hyper-local uniqueness.
A New Chapter for Travel
CEO Brian Chesky stated, "Now you can Airbnb more than an Airbnb." As professionals can apply to become Airbnb Services or Experiences hosts at airbnb.com/host, many of these local experiences are led by top-tier talent. Chesky also said, "We're changing travel again."
With these innovations, Airbnb aims to capitalize on increased local demand and diversified revenue streams, while navigating potential AV-driven support limitations for hosts and heightened competition with hotels. The future of travel is here, and it's more exciting than ever with Airbnb leading the way.
- In its strategic expansion, Airbnb has introduced Airbnb Services that offer local services beyond traditional rental, such as early check-in, airport rides, private chefs, photography, catering, spa treatments, personal training, and more, even for non-travel occasions.
- As part of the revamped Airbnb app, users can now access curated local experiences via Airbnb Experiences, with a significant portion of bookings coming from locals, not just travelers.
