Airbnb is a global online marketplace that connects people who are looking for a place to stay with people who are willing to rent out their homes. It’s a platform that has revolutionized the travel industry by offering unique and affordable accommodation options.
How Does Airbnb Work?
- Listing Your Home: If you have a spare room, apartment, or house, you can list it on Airbnb. You’ll need to provide information about your property, including photos, amenities, and pricing.
- Booking a Stay: Travelers can search for accommodations based on their destination, dates, and budget. They can read reviews from previous guests and see photos of the property before booking.
- Hosting Guests: Once a booking is confirmed, the host and guest can communicate directly to coordinate check-in, check-out, and any special requests.
A Brief History of Airbnb
Airbnb was founded in 2008 by Brian Chesky, Joe Gebbia, and Nathan Blecharczyk in San Francisco. The idea for Airbnb came about when the founders were struggling to pay their rent. They decided to rent out their air mattresses in their apartment to visitors attending a design conference in San Francisco.
The initial concept was simple – a website that allowed people to rent out their spare rooms. However, as the platform grew in popularity, it expanded to include entire apartments, houses, and even unique accommodations like castles and treehouses.
Milestones of Airbnb
October 2007: Hosts their first guest.
March 2008: Officially launches during SXSW.
Aug 2008: Launches the website and a bespoke payment platform.
March 2009: Officially changes the brand name from Airbed & Breakfast to Airbnb.
November 2010: Rolls out the app and Instant Book feature.
June 2011: Expands internationally by launching an office in Germany.
June 2012: Partners with New York City to house residents who got displaced by Hurricane Sandy.
June 2013: Open 888 Brannan Street HQ.
July 2014: Launches the new logo.
March 2015: Becomes the official alternative accommodations provider for the 2016 Rio Olympic Games.
April 2015: Launches in Cuba.
March 2017: Launches their Chinese brand – Aibiying.
March 2019: Agrees to acquire HotelTonight.
November 2019: Announces 9-year partnership with the International Olympic Committee.
March 2020: Launches “Frontline Stays” to safely accommodate medical workers and responders during the COVID-19 pandemic.
April 2020: Launches its Experiences platform, offering unique activities and tours.
June 2020: Launches Enhances Cleaning Protocol to ensure safety stay during the pandemic.
June 2020: Announces “Project Lighthouse” to help fight discrimination.
December 2020: Becomes a publicly traded company.
May 2021: Introduces 100+ upgrades to their services and products.
November 2021: Introduces 50+ upgrades such as AirCover for hosts, Translation Engine, and more.
May 2022: Brings the biggest change to Airbnb in a decade featuring Airbnb categories, Split Stays, and AirCover for guests.
November 2022: Introduces Airbnb Setup, an all-new easy way for millions of hosts.
Related Topics
Airbnb Service Fees | How to List a Vacation Rental on Airbnb
