Airbnb Is Betting Big on Its New Trips Product, But Can It Really Deliver?
Photo Credit: A promotional image of one of Airbnb's new Trip experiences. This social impact experience lets travelers give back to the local community in San Francisco. Airbnb
Skift Take
Here's our deep dive into all the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead as Airbnb transforms itself into a super brand of travel.
We already know why Airbnb is doing what it's doing with its newest product, Trips, and more — at least from Airbnb's point of view.
But the bigger question is: Can Airbnb ultimately succeed in doing all of this, or does it risk a devaluation, a massive distraction, or something greater?
That's exactly what we set to find out by speaking to a number of industry veterans to gather their thoughts on whether or not they think Airbnb can maintain its current $30 billion valuation and, perhaps, even grow beyond it to become that "super-brand" of travel that it aspires to be.
Can Airbnb continue to grow? If yes, into what? Or has it already reached the peak of its success as a company? Will it disrupt the online travel business in the same way as it disrupted the traditional hotel industry? What challenges lie ahead? Can it overcome them?
Here's what those industry experts had to say on the matter.
Does This Make Sense in the First Place?
"To start with, it makes complete se
