Skift Take
Airbnb's moves in Japan are smart for its future growth. But again we can't help but wonder: Why is the company so willing to fully comply with local laws in certain regions, like Japan, but so reluctant to do the same in others, like New York City?
Just a little more than a week after Airbnb decided to cancel 80 percent of its bookings in Japan to comply with new stricter laws for short-term rentals, the company debuted a new partnership-driven business strategy, For now, it is limited to Japan, but also serves as a model for future growth plans in other regions.
The Japan model may also hint at future programs from Airbnb that relate to loyalty and its new Airbnb Plus ctegory of homes.
Called Airbnb Partners, the program involves partnerships between Airbnb and 36 different Japanese businesses, ranging from already established loyalty programs and service providers that can help Airbnb hosts, to supply partners such as real estate developers.
Airbnb co-founder and Chief Strategy Officer, Nathan Blecharczyk, who also serves as chairman of Airbnb China, announced the new program at an Airbnb Day event held in Tokyo on June 13.
The Importance of Japan to Airbnb
Japan is a crucial growth market for accommodations providers, Airbnb included. The country has welcomed a record number of international visitors for at least the past five years. In 2017, Japan welcomed a total of 28.7 million tourists, up 10.4 million from 2013, and it is also set to host
