Airbnb is launching a premium service to compete with luxury hotels for rich customers
The premium tier is expected to lure older and richer travellers who like five-star hotel perks including a concierge service and swimming pool
AIRBNB is about to launch a new service offering high end, quality-inspected home rentals.
The new section of the popular holiday home app is intended to lure in higher-paying travellers who are used to staying at fancy hotels.
According to the new project is expected to launch as a pilot with a small group of hosts this week with the working title of “Airbnb Select,” but a final name hasn’t yet been settled on.
Adding a premium tier to the service is expected to lure older and richer travellers who prefer the extras available from a five star hotel, such as a concierge service, spa, and swimming pool.
Luxury hotel chains like Jumeirah and Four Seasons will be worried by the news, as they are already losing out on bookings from millennials who use the trendy nine-year-old startup app.
Airbnb will begin the scheme by sending a select group of hosts a message congratulating them on being selected for the special pilot programme.
According to Bloomberg it reads: “Your reviews for high consistent quality have qualified you for a special pilot program.”
Hosts will be offered plenty of perks for taking part in the service, including “priority placement in a new section for premium places" and a professional photographer who will take pictures of their home along with a consultation with an interior decorator.
The rise of Airbnb has been swift – since founding in 2008, 140 million guests have stayed at an Airbnb property.
MOST READ IN TRAVEL
The company does not own any of the properties in its portfolio – it simply acts as a broker between the host and the guests, taking a cut of the profit from hosts.
If you’ve not used the app yet then why not check out our guide on how to make the most of the new travel trend for staying in others people’s homes.
