Airbnb ups the local ante
Echoing the ‘going local’ trend that has been sweeping the accom-sphere of late, Airbnb has started promoting its app as a way for guests and hosts to collaboratively organise ‘trips’ and ‘experiences’.
The sharing economy app tells users to “add experiences and local spots to your trip while you’re on the go”, with the idea being guests can book experiences that have been packaged by locals.
The idea is very similar to the aim of ‘going local’, where businesses and accom providers partner up to offer unique deals or packages for guests. Airbnb’s ‘Trips’ concept includes a variety of activities; some involving not-for-profit organisations, where travellers can volunteer.
The app is also working on offering local-created audio guides and maps for travellers to use as unofficial tour guidance. It will be interesting to see how the new app features are received overseas as they are trialled in cities across the US and Asia as the concepts behind these features continue to gain traction here in Australia.
AccomNews is not affiliated with any government agency, body or political party. We are an independently owned, family-operated magazine.
