Airbnb’s big winter update: What operators need to know as Aussies seek more than just a stay
In 2025, the winning short term rental accommodation operators will be those who do more than provide a bed.
Airbnb’s latest Winter Release is more than an app refresh. It marks a clear shift in how travellers are planning and experiencing getaways in 2025. For accommodation providers, it’s a timely signal: today’s guests want more than a place to sleep — they’re looking for experiences, services, and seamless trip planning.
The platform that once disrupted the travel industry by making it easy to book a home is now positioning itself as a one-stop travel shop. For Australian operators, particularly in regional and leisure markets, this presents both a challenge and an opportunity.
From booking to bespoke: Services and experiences
Airbnb has introduced Airbnb Services across 10 global categories, with five launching locally in Sydney and Melbourne. Guests can now book personalised add-ons like a private chef, yoga instructor, photographer or pizza artisan as part of their stay. Many of these service providers are leaders in their fields, including Michelin-starred chefs and award-winning creatives.
The refreshed Airbnb Experiences offering also leans into local knowledge and quality. Guests can join ramen-making workshops with a Michelin Bib Gourmand chef in Tokyo, train with a former Navy instructor on Bondi Beach, or explore Melbourne’s café scene with a local expert. These experiences are curated to ensure authenticity and expertise, and are available to both travellers and locals. In fact, 40 percent of Australians say they’re interested in booking an experience in their own city.
For operators, this signals growing guest interest in personalised, immersive travel. Whether you run a boutique hotel, motel, B&B or caravan park, there’s an opportunity to collaborate with local providers or design in-house experiences that reflect the character of your property and community.
Airbnb Originals: Elevated guest moments
Airbnb has also introduced Airbnb Originals — unique experiences created exclusively for the platform and hosted by high-profile names. From baking pastries at a Parisian boulangerie to playing volleyball with an Olympian on a Rio beach, these are curated for impact and storytelling.
Some experiences even feature celebrities like Megan Thee Stallion, Patrick Mahomes and K-pop group SEVENTEEN. While these might seem a world away from the average operator’s offering, they illustrate a broader trend: travel is becoming more about narrative and connection, not just location.
A new app, tailored to the traveller
To support these additions, Airbnb has redesigned its app. Guests can now access homes, services and experiences all in one place. The platform provides personalised suggestions, integrated messaging, and a full itinerary from booking through to check-out.
This integrated approach sets a new standard for digital trip planning and reflects rising guest expectations for convenience and cohesion.
Why it matters for operators
This update underscores a growing shift in guest behaviour. The stay is only one part of the journey. Guests are increasingly seeking curated experiences and value-added services that enhance their trip. For Australian operators, especially those in high-appeal regional areas, now is the time to consider how to compete and connect in this evolving landscape.
Options might include:
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Partnering with local food, wellness or adventure providers
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Offering experience add-ons at the time of booking
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Highlighting local stories, traditions or crafts within the property
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Streamlining communication and trip planning through technology
In 2025, the winning operators will be those who do more than provide a bed — they’ll help create the kind of moments guests can’t stop talking about.
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