Brian Chesky, president and co-founder of Airbnb, took the stage to present the platform’s improvements, which numbered about fifty this winter.
It is through an online video, accessible from the homepage , that Brian Chesky reveals the main updates. The president of the group specializing in vacation rentals begins by listing four recent categories accessible through the “I am flexible” filter: “near the slopes” for skiing, “outdoors”, “luxury” with 5-star service, and “ atypical”. “You can sleep in a shoe, a UFO, a snake, a potato,” he laughs. “You can (now) search for accommodation up to 12 months in advance,” adds the co-founder.
WiFi speed can be tested
Airbnb also promises to improve translation, thanks to “Translation Engine”. “Translations are now automatic”, for announcements and comments.
The Californian giant has also worked on housing accessibility for people with disabilities. An Airbnb team has verified 25,000 listings that qualify as accessible globally.
Another novelty: wifi being a determining wifi criterion, travelers can check the connection speed even before booking. At least on some announcements, like for this studio in Paris.
Finally, in order to attract new guests, the platform has developed a more complete and free insurance, AirCover.
Long stays are growing
According to Airbnb, “our way of living and working is in the midst of a revolution, accelerated by the effects of the pandemic and the generalization of teleworking”, explains a press release.
At the end of September, 20% of the nights booked on the platform corresponded to stays of one month or more – thus reaching a record in terms of bookings for this category since the beginning of the platform -.
These extended stays have become the fastest growing category on Airbnb.
