Airbnb launches new products to inspire people to live like locals in places they are visiting

Beginning today, Airbnb is rolling out an updated app, with a range of new features, and launching a global brand campaign that will encourage people to change the way they experience the world around them.

“Our hosts offer more than just generic hospitality - they welcome travelers from around the world into their communities. Today is the start of an exciting journey to help people not just go somewhere, but truly live there.”

With over two million homes, Airbnb is already one of the world’s largest accommodation providers; more than 80 million people worldwide have already had a unique experience by staying in someone’s home when they travel. Having opened the doors to homes around the world, these new developments will go further in helping travelers live like a local in the neighborhoods around them.

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AirBnb's latest vacation booking is a harsh reality

By Sonya Davidson

Winter can be a very long for many of us here in Canada. Like many of you, I've been eyeing vacation options. A warm destination is very appealing especially when we are expecting a snowstorm to hit us. A vacation can't come soon enough! While we all do our travel research as incentive to get us through the day or week, we understand that not everyone an afford a dream vacation. 

Engage and Change, a charity that focuses on giving back to the homeless and less fortunate within the Greater Toronto Area has partnered with AirBnb, to show Canadians what reality is for many on our streets in the dead of winter. 

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Airbnb gets Apple Watch support on iOS

Airbnb app is making it easier for its users to get in touch with each other with the latest update. The version 15.35 of the app on iOS adds support for Apple Watch. It allows hosts to receive new bookings on their wearable. It’ll show them the complete request including the traveler’s name and photo, requested date, and personal message. Hosts can decide to accept or reject the request on the spot. It also allows hosts to initiate and respond to client messages from the Watch. Hosts are also allowed to save quick, pre-recorded responses to help maintain what Airbnb calls a healthy response rate.

Source: 9to5Mac | Download: Apple App Store (Free)

Airbnb helps hosts optimize pricing with new tool

A new recommendation tool from Airbnb hopes to help its hosts to get more bookings. The tool is called Price Tips and it shows recent data about demand and how much similar listings are going for. It’s meant to help hosts adjust their prices accordingly based on different times of the year. For example, they can lower prices during low travel seasons or increase the rate a bit. It won’t guarantee an increase in bookings but it’ll at least keep you in the know. The feature is expected to roll out gradually beginning today.

Source: The Next Web