Airbnb: The Bears Were Wrong About Long-Term Stays

Key Points

• Airbnb's long-term stays and non-urban bookings surged during the pandemic and remain strong.
• Long-term stays have doubled in size compared to pre-pandemic levels but are growing slower than short-term rentals.
• Non-urban travel persists due to remote work flexibility and Airbnb's diverse offerings.

Summary

Airbnb experienced a surge in long-term stays of 28 days or more and reservations in non-urban areas during the pandemic. These trends have remained robust even as other parts of the business have normalized. Chief Financial Officer Ellie Mertz highlighted that long-term stays have grown to be about double their pre-pandemic size and continue to be a significant portion of Airbnb's business. Although long-term stays are slowing growth in North America compared to other regions, they are still a key segment. Additionally, non-urban travel continues to thrive due to the flexibility of remote work and Airbnb's diverse market presence.