At ITB Berlin, the company’s chief strategist Nathan Blecharczyk spoke about Airbnb as the booking portal for a complete travel experience, the use of AI and Gen Z's affinity to nature.
Airbnb offers a range of services in addition to accommodation, from airport shuttles and city tours to private chefs. Speaking at ITB Berlin, Nathan Blecharczyk described it as the booking portal for a complete travel experience.
According to the co-founder and CSO of Airbnb, his company relies on AI in various areas. In customer service, a third of all support requests are already handled by AI.
The technology can also help with travel planning, because according to Blecharczyk, Airbnb has in-depth knowledge of its customers based on booking history and their interests.
Mitra Sorrells (Phocuswright) talks to Airbnb CSO Nathan Blecharczyk about new services and AI at Airbnb.
New services
At the session entitled "Bet on Nature: How Airbnb's Innovation is Shaping the Next Era of Travel", he discussed many innovations on the portal. The option to book first and pay later was first introduced in Germany and is now available in more and more countries.
Smaller boutique hotels can now also be booked through Airbnb, promising the same authentic travel experience as private accommodation.
Relaxing in nature
Airbnb began business in large metropolitan areas, but current booking trends point towards rural regions. Nathan Blecharczyk observes a growing desire for peace and nature, particularly among Gen Z, possibly in contrast to being permanently available. According to Nathan Blecharczyk, Airbnb enables places lacking hotel accommodation to enter the tourism market.
He views the relationship with city authorities as a partnership. For example, Airbnb forwarded taxes from landlords to the local authorities, he said. In cities where Airbnb had been banned or severely restricted, the housing market had not eased as expected. On the contrary, rents had continued to rise disproportionately, he added.
Airbnb currently ranks Brazil and India among its fastest-growing destinations. However, the Silicon Valley company also wants to further strengthen European markets such as Germany and Italy. Nathan Blecharczyk sees good prospects there in rural regions, among other places.
itb.com/en
