Airbnb wants to connect with travellers and guests via new social media integration and search tools

Airbnb has unveiled a set of updates aimed at making its platform more social and improving discovery for travellers. The company is enabling users to connect with others participating in the same activities while enhancing search and maps tools to uncover properties and points of interest they might have otherwise missed.

Earlier this year, Airbnb launched Experiences, offering activities such as cooking classes and guided tours that travellers can book together. Building on that, the company is introducing features that highlight the social aspect of these experiences. When booking an event, users can now view the names and locations of other participants. After the activity, they can connect through the app’s chat feature to exchange photos or make future plans. Users will also see contacts from these experiences in a dedicated Connections tab on their profile.

Privacy has been a key consideration for Airbnb. The app prompts users to decide whether to share their profile picture, name, and location with others attending the same experience. If users decline, their information defaults to private, showing only what they choose. Connections can be blocked or removed at any time, and reports are reviewed by Airbnb’s community team to ensure safety.

The company initially hinted at these social features in its summer release in May, aiming to foster interactions that could lead to more bookings for both accommodations and activities. However, Airbnb acknowledges that moderation challenges, common to chat-based platforms, will need careful management.