The Bull Case for Airbnb’s Future From Here On
Photo Credit: Airbnb CEO Brian Chesky at 2018 Recode Code Conference. Asa Mathat for Vox Media
Skift Take
Airbnb opened up the mainstream travelers to a whole new way to travel. That is an achievement no one can take away from them. Even in these bad times, it has a chance to build out its bigger promise here.
For our Viewpoint series, Skift invites thought leaders, some from the less obvious corners of travel, to join in the conversation. We know that these independent voices are important to the dialogue within the industry. Our guest columnists will identify and shape what global trends and through lines will define the future of travel.
It is open season on Airbnb in the media these days. After all, they are one of the Silicon Valley stars most impacted by the pandemic currently sweeping the globe. With travel at a near standstill, and us humans increasingly suspicious of each other the deadly germs we may or may not be carrying, it isn’t likely that we are going to return to the same world that existed before the virus. Even travel influencers might need to get a real job.
Airbnb was poised to have a blockbuster 2020, but against this backdrop, it has hit a nausea-inducing air pocket. The public offering is off the table for now. And if the Wall Street Journal reports are to be believed, the guests and hosts are all up in arms about the company and some of its new policies. The Journal reporters suggest that the board of directors wants the company to take a hatchet to its costs. At the same time, the Journal reports that some potential investors are uncomfortable with the management team, including CEO Brian Ch
