Brian Chesky, the co-founder and CEO of Airbnb, recently discussed the company’s latest innovations in a wide-ranging interview with Skift. He shared insights into AI, loyalty programs, Airbnb’s offerings for corporate travelers, and the launch of immersive, experience-based homes called ‘Icons.’ The Icons are not meant to be a revenue generator for Airbnb but rather serve as an alternative to advertising and a way to introduce guests to the experiences category that the company is exploring.
Chesky acknowledged that he had overpromised on the timeline for Airbnb’s AI revolution but spoke about the progress they are making in that area. He also mentioned the possibility of a paid loyalty program with a membership structure similar to Amazon Prime. He discussed the tension between Guest Favorites and Super Hosts within the Airbnb platform, emphasizing the importance of maintaining the uniqueness and reliability of Airbnb listings.
The conversation also touched on Airbnb’s efforts to appeal to corporate travelers. Chesky highlighted the importance of providing a quality product that is personalized and reliable for business travelers. He explained the concept of Guest Favorites, which are highly rated listings that offer a level of reliability comparable to traditional hotels. Chesky emphasized the value of Guest Favorites in providing a dependable experience for travelers.
Regarding charitable donations, Chesky mentioned his contributions to various causes, including a $100 million donation to the Obama Foundation to establish a scholarship for public service. He also pledged to donate additional funds to Airbnb.org and the Host Endowment, among other charities. Chesky’s philanthropic efforts reflect his commitment to giving back to the community and supporting causes that align with his values.
Chesky discussed the challenges of transitioning Airbnb from a period of growth to a focus on innovation and new initiatives. He emphasized the importance of ensuring that the company is ready to launch new projects successfully before moving forward. Chesky expressed confidence that after making significant upgrades and improvements to the Airbnb platform, the company is now prepared to introduce new features and offerings that will resonate with users and drive growth.
Looking ahead, Chesky hinted at upcoming initiatives that Airbnb is working on, promising exciting developments in the near future. He emphasized the importance of getting back to basics and focusing on delivering exceptional experiences for guests. Chesky’s vision for Airbnb’s future includes expanding into new areas, such as AI-driven customer service and personalized offerings, while staying true to the company’s mission of providing unique and memorable travel experiences.
