Airbnb’s Expansion Into Experiences and Services Gets Mixed Reactions from Hotel Industry
Airbnb’s recent push into offering hotel-style services and curated experiences is receiving a lukewarm response from some leaders in the hospitality sector. While a few industry executives are downplaying the move as a competitive threat, some analysts caution that traditional hotel brands could fall behind in capturing valuable ancillary revenue streams.
The company’s latest initiative includes a marketplace for services such as massages, spa treatments, and personal training—amenities commonly associated with hotels but not typically available in short-term rentals. “We’re removing the reasons people might hesitate to book an Airbnb,” said Dave Stephenson, Airbnb’s Chief Business Officer, in an interview with Skift following the announcement of the new offerings.
However, delivering a consistent level of quality across these services could prove challenging.
“They’ve tried this before, and what they’re attempting is incredibly complex,” said Chris Silcock, President of Global Brands and Commercial Services at Hilton.
Silcock noted that Hilton has no immediate plans to replicate Airbnb’s marketplace model. “We haven’t pursued that path because we’re in the hospitality business—people serving people. That’s much easier to manage in a hotel setting, where we can ensure a steady flow of guests and directly oversee or contract service providers to maintain quality,” he explained.
As Airbnb continues to blur the lines between home-sharing and traditional hospitality, the industry will be watching closely to see whether its expanded offerings gain traction—or fall short of expectations.
Source: skift.com