Is Airbnb now a bigger threat to travel companies?

Airbnb is taking a new direction, which could transform the start-up into the something more akin to a travel company.

Airbnb co-founder and CEO Brian Chesky has announced the company will be expanding the type and quality of its listings, making it easier for hotels to list, as well as introducing a new vetting system for higher-end listings.

It’s even going as far as creating a new loyalty program.

Ooh la la.

As we reported a few weeks ago, Airbnb has been increasingly shifting its focus towards hotels for a while, but now the start-up is treading dangerously close to travel company territory with four new types of listings; vacation homes, unique space, B&B and boutique.

However, Chesky has specified in the past that major chains, or as he calls them “mass-produced” hotels, are unlikely to make the cut.

“We have to be more inclusive of who belongs on Airbnb — but there’s also a flip side: Not everyone belongs on Airbnb,” Chesky said during a global Q&A session, according to Skift.

“We want to have tighter host standards. Groups that provide mass-produced hospitality, who don’t offer belonging, who don’t’ care about what we care about — they don’t meet our standards, and they find somewhere else to do their business.”

If that didn’t complicate Airbnb’s relationship with major hotel chains, this new initiative sure will.

So what do these new changes look like?

New categories

Airbnb will be introducing a new layout and design for its desktop and mobile platforms, to include new categories of accommodation from its initial homeshare arrangements to “business travel ready” listings or something more family friendly.

This new range of categories is being called Airbnb Collections, starting with nine categories including social, weddings, honeymoons, group travel, and even dinner parties, according to Skift. 

New vetting system

The company is also introducing a new curated range of listings called Airbnb Plus, featuring accommodation that has met a 100-point quality checklist, meeting requirements such as having a clean clutter free space or fast wi-fi.

Listings that meet this requirement will have an average cost of around $250 per night, rather than the rate for an average listing which stands around $100.

Hosts will also pay extra for this feature with a $149 application fee.

Luxury listings

As well as Airbnb Plus, listings get more exclusive with the introduction of Beyond Airbnb, which will offer luxury listings and personalised services.

Skift predicts Beyond will be a combination of the company’s recently acquired Montreal-based Luxury Retreats and its Trips product, which launched last November featuring tours and activities.

Loyalty program

A loyalty program will be rolled out later in the year, which Chesky said will offer “benefits across the entire travel journey.” including homes, transport and services like cheaper stays and last minute bookings.

Do you think Airbnb is morphing into a travel company? Let us know in the comments below!