Airbnb CEO Brian Chesky on new ‘everything app’: Today is just the beginning of a new chapter

Airbnb has recently announced a significant overhaul of its platform, introducing a redesigned app that expands its offerings beyond home rentals to include a wide range of services and experiences, positioning it as an “everything app” for travel and local engagement. Here’s a summary of the key developments based on recent news:

Key Features of the New Airbnb App

Airbnb Services

• Launched in 260 cities globally, this feature allows users to book professional services such as personal chefs, masseuses, personal trainers, spa treatments, photographers, hair and makeup artists, and more.
• These services can be booked directly to an Airbnb rental or even by non-guests in their own homes, making the platform accessible to a broader audience.
• Services are vetted for quality, with providers required to have at least 10 years of experience, verified identities, and relevant licenses or certifications.
• Prices start at around $50, with new offerings and locations being added regularly.

Airbnb Experiences

• Relaunched and expanded in 650 cities, Experiences include tours, cooking classes, cultural activities, museum visits, watersports, and wellness sessions led by local experts.
• Unlike the previous iteration (launched in 2016 and paused in 2023), the revamped Experiences are curated to offer authentic, local-led activities, with 22,000 experiences available at launch.
• Users can book these independently of an Airbnb stay, enhancing the app’s utility for both travelers and locals.

Airbnb Originals

A premium tier of exclusive experiences hosted by celebrities or notable figures, such as a music session with Chance the Rapper, an anime-themed experience with Megan Thee Stallion, or a pastry-making class with a renowned chef.
These are designed to be unique, high-profile offerings not available on other platforms like Tripadvisor or Viator.
Redesigned App:
The app has been rebuilt from the ground up to integrate homes, services, and experiences seamlessly.
Features include a new “Explore” tab for personalized recommendations, a detailed itinerary builder for trip planning, and enhanced messaging for hosts and guests.
The app suggests services and experiences based on the user’s location and preferences and provides a day-by-day view of bookings.
Strategic Vision and Impact
CEO Brian Chesky’s Vision: Chesky has described this as a transformative moment, aiming to make Airbnb “the Airbnb of anything” or an “everything app.” He compares it to Amazon’s evolution from a bookstore to an “everything store,” but for services and experiences. The goal is to create a comprehensive travel platform that rivals hotels by combining the space of Airbnb rentals with hotel-like amenities.
Investment and Growth: Airbnb is investing $200–$250 million in this new business, with expectations to generate $1 billion in sales within three to five years. Analysts see this as a strategic move to capture a larger share of the travel and experiences market, potentially doubling its market share by 2030.
Accessibility: The services and experiences are available to everyone, not just Airbnb guests, which could drive engagement and revenue from local users. For example, Los Angeles residents can book services without staying at an Airbnb.
Host Support: The app includes new tools for hosts, such as a simplified listing creation tool (Airbnb Setup) and a “Today” tab for managing reservations, making it easier to offer and manage services and experiences.
Reception and Challenges
Positive Sentiment: Analysts are optimistic, with some predicting increased user engagement and revenue growth due to the app’s enhanced functionality and broader offerings. The redesign is seen as a way to convert the 1.5 billion annual app visits into more bookings.
Criticism and Skepticism: Some critics, as noted in Fortune, argue that the expansion may dilute Airbnb’s core focus on rentals, and retail investors on platforms like Stocktwits have expressed mixed sentiments. There are also concerns about the financial payoff, which may take several quarters to materialize.
Regulatory Challenges: Airbnb faces ongoing regulatory hurdles, such as short-term rental bans in cities like New York City, which could impact growth. However, the new services and experiences are less tied to rentals, potentially mitigating some regulatory risks.
Additional Notes
Launch Date: The changes were announced on May 13, 2025, as part of Airbnb’s 2025 Summer Release.
AI Integration: Airbnb plans to introduce an AI-powered concierge to help users plan trips by recommending unique services and experiences, though details are still emerging.
Competitive Positioning: The expansion positions Airbnb to compete more directly with hotels and other travel platforms like Tripadvisor and Viator, while also drawing comparisons to tech giants like Uber and Amazon that have diversified their offerings.
This transformation reflects Airbnb’s ambition to redefine travel by offering a one-stop platform for accommodations, services, and experiences, making it more than just a place to stay. For more details, you can check Airbnb’s official newsroom or recent coverage from sources like CNBC, CNN Business, or The Wall Street Journal.