Airbnb Adds Hotels, Car Rentals and AI Features to Platform

Airbnb on Wednesday added independent hotels and services such as car rentals, grocery delivery and luggage storage to its platform. The company also introduced AI features that summarize guest reviews and resolve booking issues within its chatbot. Plans call for adding voice capabilities to the chatbot later this year.

Chesky said the company aims to offer dozens of categories similar to Amazon, focused on travel and living services. He noted the travel and living market remains fragmented and said Airbnb would consider adding equipment rentals and gym passes in the future.

Business chief Dave Stephenson said the company uses a mix of open-source tools and large language models for its AI features. Chesky stated the AI market is moving faster than expected and cautioned that the biggest winners may not have emerged yet.

Airbnb reported slightly elevated cancellations in Europe, the Middle East, Africa and the Asia Pacific regions earlier this month due to the war in Iran. The company expects a 100-basis-point headwind to nights and seats booked in the current period.

Chesky said Airbnb remains resilient because of its geographic diversity and affordability. He noted travelers are planning trips more last-minute amid economic uncertainty.