New Airbnb ‘premium tier' could compete with high-end hotels
A new high-end collection of homes and apartments on homestay platform Airbnb could encroach on the luxury hotel market.
That's according to Bloomberg, which reports the site is close to launching the new service intended to attract higher-paying travellers. The service would involve Airbnb inspecting hosts' homes to ensure they meet quality standards designated by the company. Those eligible would be featured on a section of Airbnb's website and mobile apps.
The site quoted unnamed sources as referring to the service as ‘Select', although no official name has been determined, and said the service could launch by the end of the year.
A spokesperson for Airbnb could not confirm the news, but said: "We're continually experimenting with new ways to create meaningful experiences on Airbnb. I don't have any more to share on the new things we're test driving but we have a few exciting projects in the works."
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