Airbnb, one of the most popular vacation rental sites globally, has faced criticism in recent years for contributing to overtourism in several destinations. In response, the company is rethinking its strategy, refining the properties it offers and introducing new experiences for guests. Despite these concerns, Airbnb’s popularity continues to grow, with bookings during the summer quarter of 2024 rising by eight percent to 122.8 million compared to the previous year. The company has also seen an increase in the proportion of mobile bookings and first-time bookers, particularly among younger travelers.
One factor contributing to Airbnb’s increased bookings is the introduction of more local payment options. Guests can now pay in the local currency of countries such as Vietnam, Denmark, and Poland, making the platform more accessible and relevant to users around the world. Furthermore, Airbnb has implemented stricter measures by removing over 300,000 “low quality” listings that failed to meet guests’ expectations. This move is aimed at improving the overall quality of properties available on the site and reducing the number of cancellations by hosts, which have been a significant pain point for guests.
In addition to refining its property offerings and payment options, Airbnb is looking to expand beyond accommodation in the coming year. While specific details have not been disclosed, this expansion may involve a relaunch of the Airbnb experiences offerings, which allow guests to participate in activities such as food tours or adventurous excursions. The company halted new sign-ups for experience hosts last year due to declining popularity but may be looking to rebrand these offerings and market them to both travelers and locals. Additionally, Airbnb could incorporate ticket sales for major attractions and tie in at-home experiences like massages or private chef-cooked dinners with property rentals.
One of the issues that Airbnb has faced in recent years is criticism from various stakeholders, including tourism boards, residents, and travelers, for exacerbating local housing crises and “Disneyfying” historic monuments like Rome’s Colosseum. In response to these concerns, the company is working to make its app more personalized and accessible to first-time users with 50 upgrades since October. By spring 2025, Airbnb plans to offer nearly 40 local payment methods across five continents, further enhancing the user experience and making the platform more user-friendly for travelers worldwide.
Despite the challenges it has faced, Airbnb remains a popular choice for many holidaymakers, with a growing number of people using the app to find accommodation. The company’s focus on refining its properties, introducing new experiences, and expanding beyond accommodation demonstrates its commitment to adapting to changing market trends and meeting the evolving needs of travelers. By prioritizing quality, accessibility, and innovation, Airbnb is positioning itself for continued success in the competitive vacation rental market.
