This Is Why Airbnb Is Doing What It’s Doing With Trips and More
Photo Credit: Airbnb's newest products, Experiences and Places, are just two parts of the company's larger ambitions to become a 'super-brand of travel.' Airbnb
Skift Take
If you want a deeper dive into Airbnb's larger strategy and vision, given the company's big product launch earlier this month, read on.
When Airbnb CEO Brian Chesky announced on Nov. 17 at the Airbnb Open in Los Angeles, that Airbnb would be entering the tours and activities market, we here at Skift, weren't surprised at all.
However, when Chesky announced the company had also unveiled new in-destination mobile app features as part of its Places function (Insider Guidebooks, Meetups, free audio walking tours, and, eventually, restaurant reservations) we'll admit, we were a bit surprised, but not entirely.
When Chesky teased at Airbnb Flights and Services, we were surprised, but that's also when it all clicked: Airbnb has much bigger ambitions beyond just tours, beds, and in-destination information. Indeed, by all accounts, it seems like Airbnb is attempting to transform itself into a new breed of online travel agency (OTA).
That "super-brand of travel" appellation that Chip Conley, Airbnb global head of hospitality and strategy, coined a few days prior to the big announcement wasn't a lofty ambition — it's a
