Airbnb just gave its app a major makeoverand it's not just about booking a place to stay anymore.
The redesigned app, launched on Tuesday, marks a big shift in how Airbnb wants travelers to use its platform. Now, in addition to finding homes, users can book extra services like spa treatments, catered meals, and personal trainers—right at their rental.
The updated app includes a brand-new “services” tab with 10 different categories. These services will be available in 260 cities around the world, aiming to give Airbnb users the kind of perks you’d usually expect at a hotel or resort.
“We now feel like we have such a strong foundation that we are capable of building and expanding,” said Dave Stephenson, Airbnb’s chief business officer, told CNN.
This move is part of Airbnb’s larger plan to grow beyond home rentals. The company is investing $200–$250 million into this new direction, hoping it will become a key source of revenue in the future.
Airbnb CEO Brian Chesky said the app has been rebuilt “from the ground up” with a new tech base that will allow faster innovation. “Until now, our app has really done one thing: it let you book a home,” Chesky said on a recent earnings call.
Another big upgrade is to the “experiences” tab, now offering activities in 650 cities. From live shows to architecture tours, users can explore 19 categories. Airbnb is also offering exclusive “Originals,” like a behind-the-scenes tour of Notre Dame with a restoration architect.
Looking ahead, Airbnb is partnering for the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan, offering both experiences and services to travelers.
To maintain quality, Airbnb has strengthened its vetting process for service providers, who now average 10 years of experience. The company has also revamped its messages section, which will soon support photo and video sharing, along with privacy features to manage interactions with fellow guests.
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