Airbnb enters luxury travel market with Airbnb Luxe

Thursday, 27 June 2019 00:30 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Built on the experience and knowledge gained from the acquisition of Luxury Retreats in 2017, Airbnb Luxe has launched with more than 2,000 handpicked homes around the world, each one passing strict evaluation across 300+ criteria to meet standards in both design and function.

Each Airbnb Luxe booking provides access to a dedicated, highly trained trip designer who works to ensure that the stay is tailored to the traveller’s unique needs every step of the way.

After booking a property, the trip designer can help with the check-in, coordinating local bespoke experiences and activities, and arranging a wide range of services from childcare to private chefs to in-house massage therapists, or personal training sessions in your own private gym, for example.

“Today’s luxury traveller is craving more than just high-end accommodations; they seek transformation and experiences that leave them feeling more connected to each other and to their destination,” said Airbnb Co-Founder, CEO and Head of Community Brian Chesky.

“With Airbnb Luxe we are applying the same approach we’ve used since we launched Airbnb more than 11 years ago – creating local, authentic and magical travel moments now in amazing places to stay – to reimagine the way people think and experience luxury travel.”

In addition to chateaux and chalets, Airbnb Luxe will also open the door to spectacular places to stay in cities, a new area of focus. Building on the places to stay already available in cities like London – be it a Kensington oasis or a Sloane Square penthouse; and Los Angeles – like a French Country estate, Airbnb plans to add properties in at least 12 more cities this year, including Milan, Paris and Austin.

The launch of Airbnb Luxe also helps meet increasing demand from Airbnb guests for luxury properties and experiences. In 2018, the number of Airbnb bookings for listings worth at least $ 1,000 per night increased more than 60%. The increased interest in luxury travel on Airbnb is consistent with broader trends. Analysts believe the luxury travel market is worth more than $ 200 billion and poised to grow in the years ahead.

Launched initially in 13 markets around the world, Airbnb Plus is now available in over 300 markets.