Airbnb adds more than 50 new features to re-entice people to book accommodation with more affordable prices
As the global pandemic gradually subsides, travel demands in many countries and regions are beginning to recover. Airbnb plans to prepare for the upcoming holidays by introducing over 50 new features to attract more individuals to book accommodations through its platform.
The new features include more transparent pricing methods, enabling users to more easily find affordable lodging options, and even the introduction of Airbnb Rooms, a novel service catering to those seeking single-room accommodations, simplifying the process of locating suitable lodging spaces.
Additionally, the innovative Host Passport feature allows users to “get to know” hosts before booking rooms, ensuring a safe and comfortable living experience. Users can also confirm in advance whether the booked room has a separate door lock and if the bathroom is for private use or shared with the host and other guests.
Airbnb co-founder Brian Chesky aims to maintain the platform’s focus on offering users affordable accommodation options while facilitating a better understanding of local city characteristics during their travels.
The addition of Airbnb Rooms encompasses over one million cost-effective accommodations, with 80% of these lodgings priced under $100 per night. This counters the rising prices of registered accommodations on Airbnb in recent years, which have often exceeded the rates of many hotels, showcasing Airbnb’s intent to attract more users seeking lodging resources as long-distance and international travel resumes.
Other updates include clearer payment statements to prevent malicious hosts from charging unnecessary fees, improved map-based room search experiences, and the addition of a notes feature to wishlists, allowing users to conveniently compare accommodations by annotating various advantages and disadvantages.
Furthermore, users staying in Airbnb accommodations for more than three months can benefit from reduced platform service fees. If users opt for direct debit payments from their personal bank accounts, they may enjoy lower platform service fees for stays exceeding one month.
