Japanese store group checks in with Airbnb
Airbnb has partnered with Japanese convenience store chain FamilyMart to offer guests a convenient key handover service.
In solves the issue of hosts arranging times with guests for the key handover which can easily go awry during travel delays.
The service will become available at around 150 FamilyMart stores, mostly in Tokyo from February 2019.
Airbnb guests would be required to pick up and return the keys at special boxes in stores which are accompanied by a tablet device for guests to verify their identity.
FamilyMart expects it will also see a bump in revenue from tourists spending money in store when picking up or handing back keys.
"Our business will expand if foreign travelers staying in private homes do some shopping at our stores," said FamilyMart President Takashi Sawada.
A similar service is also being rolled out soon by rival convenience store operator Seven-Eleven Japan Co in collaboration with travel agency JTB Corp.
Japan’s home lodging law is slated to come into effect next month which will allow registered homeowners to rent out vacant homes or rooms for up to 180 days per year.
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Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
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