Airbnb’s New China Strategy Includes a Focus on Quality — and Quantity
Photo Credit: Airbnb sees Chinese millennials as key to growing the company's business domestically and throughout the Asia-Pacific region. Airbnb
Skift Take
Can we say we told you so again? In July, we noted that as Airbnb pursues its eventual IPO, China and the wider Asia-Pacific region will be absolutely critical, but the competition is tough and plenty of challenges remain.
Airbnb is doing all it can to demonstrate not only its commitment to growing its business in China, but to the Asia-Pacific region overall.
Newly appointed Airbnb China chairman Nathan Blecharczyk, who is the company's co-founder and serves as chief strategy officer, said Airbnb will take take several steps, including including improving customer service for both guests and hosts, as well as increasing the quantity and quality of its properties, to build its business in China.
Blecharczyk likewise stated that the company plans to invest $2 million through 2020 to fund tourism projects throughout the Asia-Pacific region. He made the announcement while attending the Asia-Pacific Economic Partnership CEO Summit being in Da Nang, Vietnam.
Airbnb's Future Plans for China and Asia-Pacific
For Airbnb to succeed in China, it must overcome a number of challenges, both from homegrown competitors but also from the country's notoriously difficult government regulations. Added to that are
