TECHNOLOGY
Airbnb 2.0
Home share giant expands reach
BY MONIQUE DU TOIT
A
decade ago , Airbnb began its fast-paced journey of revolutionising the hospitality industry . In recent years , the news has been filled with complaints about the tech giant ’ s effects on real estate availability and affordability . But many property owners have also been able to launch successful businesses through the platform . In fact , since its inception , hosts have earned more than $ 41bn worldwide . Amid mounting pressure to apply stricter legislation to the home share industry , Airbnb recently unveiled what it ’ s calling “ A Roadmap to Bring Magical Travel to Everyone .”
At its event , presented on 22 February , Airbnb laid out its plan for the next 10 years . Airbnb co-founder , CEO , and Head of Community , Brian Chesky explains that they “ want to go further by supporting and expanding our community so that in 10 years time , more than 1 billion people per year will experience the benefits of magical travel on Airbnb .” At the moment , the platform is home to 4.5million places to stay in 81,000 cities . Airbnb ’ s strategy leading to 2028 consists of four key changes : 1 . Four new property types At the moment , the platform allows for three property types : Shared Space , Private Room , and Entire Home . Now , hosts will be able to add Vacation Home , Unique Space , B & B , and Boutique . The company explains that this “ will give greater choice of accommodation options to guests , provide greater transparency over the types of accommodation available , and help hosts better showcase what ’ s unique about them to better match with guests ’ preferences .”
2 . Airbnb Collections The company is launching the option for travellers to choose a home based on their specific situation - “ perfect homes for every occasion .” Now , the platform will feature Airbnb for Family and Airbnb for Work . Upcoming collections will include Social stays , Weddings , Honeymoons , Group getaways , and Dinner collections .
3 . New Tiers Homes that have been personally verified will be classified as Airbnb Plus . According to the company , the goal is to “ recognise hosts who go above and beyond to provide outstanding hospitality .” These homes will have been inspected and verified in person against a 100 + point checklist . Aspects like cleanliness and design will feature prominently . For Airbnb Plus hosts , some of the advantages include top placement , expert photography , and premium support . Daily rates for these homes will also be higher .
4 . Beyond Airbnb will be launching a new type of travel : Beyond by Airbnb . This will offer users custom-designed trips including homes , customer experiences , and top hospitality .
CUSTOM-MADE LISTINGS
Airbnb is working with Miami-based Newgard Development Group to develop the Niido Powered by Airbnb complexes .
These new apartment complexes will be designed with home sharing in mind . Residents will be able to share their units for up to 180 days per year . There will also be an app made available that seamlessly integrates with Airbnb - simplifying checking in and assisting guests . This app will also enable tenants to trigger services provided by a MasterHost - a dedicated person on-site in charge of hospitality , cleaning , and anything else guests might need
Airbnb and Niido will work together to design the units and buildings . Features will include keyless entry and shared common spaces . Niido will retain full ownership of the buildings , with tenants being able to sign annual leases .
Tenants who choose to share their homes will be part of the platforms Friendly Buildings Programme , in which revenues are shared between hosts and landlords .
The first such complex will consist of 324 units and will be launched in Florida . The company explains that this model presents an opportunity for tenants who spend a disproportionate amount of their monthly salary on rent , while offering guests a unique and superior experience .
20 MARCH 2018 SA Real Estate Investor Magazine