Short-term rentals could be the next frontier for sponsored listings. Hotels are difficult enough, but vacation rentals may be even more complex to get right.
To verify 7.7 million listings, as untold numbers are constantly dropping off and new ones are added in more than 220 countries, is a daunting task. By its nature, this will be an imperfect process.
When you consider that Expedia and Booking each made at least $900 million in advertising-related revenue in 2022 (though likely much more) and Airbnb pocketed next to zilch, then you know that Airbnb can take advantage of a substantial opportunity.
Retaining its focus on short-term rentals would probably be the largest contributor to any competitive moat that Airbnb has. Neither of its two largest rivals has that luxury.