Not Content With Rentals, Airbnb Wants to Be the Airbnb of Everything

Airbnb has managed to do its one thing—short-term rentals—quite well. Despite the damaging ripples it has had in the housing market and the annoyance of steep and once-hidden cleaning fees, the company has managed to grab hold of nearly half of the global booking market. Instead of just continuing to specialize in the thing it was made to do, Airbnb’s CEO Brian Chesky wants to turn the platform into an Airbnb for everything, allowing users to book services and experiences like chefs, beauticians, and tours, and more. Chesky went on a bit of a media tour to announce the change, talking to the Wall Street Journal and Wired in the most self-aggrandizing tone imaginable to hype up the shift in vision—but we’ll get to the CEO. First, the new Airbnb. Per WSJ, the updated app will now include three icons that will represent homes, experiences, and services. The company has reportedly partnered with over 10,000 vendors operating in 260 cities in 30 countries, according to Wired. They can be b ... Read full article.