Airbnb looking to expand beyond accommodation
Airbnb is looking at offering tours and sporting activities alongside accommodation, according to its co-founder.
Nathan Blecharczyk told the BBC there was a demand from travellers for personal connections while travelling.
He said the company was now looking at pairing hosts and guests for tours, playing sport, and other activities.
Airbnb now offers accommodation in 34,000 cities in 191 countries.
"What we’ve demonstrated is there’s an immense appetite to travel more authentically and immerse yourself in culture… as opposed to having a commoditised experience," said CEO Blecharczyk.
He said hosts often wanted to participate more in guests’ experiences.
"Maybe that’s someone going for a bike ride on their favourite bike route or doing a game of Frisbee, something as simple as that," he said.
"But connecting with real people having a good time, that’s something not currently available in the professionalised world of hospitality.
"We’re thinking beyond accommodation.
"How can we help them to better connect with the local spots, the local people?"
Blecharcyk was speaking from Delhi where Airbnb is looking to attract new business.
Linsey McNeill
Editor Linsey McNeill has been writing about travel for more than three decades. Bylines include The Times, Telegraph, Observer, Guardian and Which? plus the South China Morning Post. She also shares insider tips on thetraveljournalist.co.uk
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