As part of its latest move to dominate the travel market, Airbnb co-founder Joe Gebbia says the company’s focus for the future is the “end-to-end” travel experience.
In a recent interview, Gebbia says the average traveler uses about 10 apps to plan his or her vacation, and there, he sees an opportunity.
“We ask the question: why [do travelers use so many apps]? Couldn’t you have one place to go to put your whole trip together?” he says.
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The move further expands upon Airbnb Experiences, which launched last November and connects travelers with locals who offer activities such as walking tours. The Experiences platform poses potential threats to tour companies such as Contiki.
An all-in-one booking approach pits Airbnb up against the likes of Expedia. However, as PhocusWire previously reported, OTAs are better positioned as one-stop shops, and brand awareness for Airbnb is also on its way to “topping off.”
Meanwhile, Airbnb is taking aim at Marriott and other hotel chains through a series of letters.
Is a renewed focus on the end-to-end experience enough to challenge Airbnb’s position in the marketplace? Gebbia is hopeful: “Our ambitions extend far beyond accommodations.”