Is This New Airbnb Feature Enough To Prevent Hosts From Fleeing?

Airbnb has faced criticism from both guests and hosts on a range of issues in recent years. To its credit, the company has responded by implementing a number of changes.

And it’ll be up to those disappointed guests and hosts to determine whether its latest grand gesture goes far enough.

Simplifying the process

One common complaint among Airbnb hosts involves the complexity of listing and managing properties advertised on the platform. Those individuals who maintain multiple listings say the process becomes increasingly arduous with each new property.

Airbnb apparently intended to offer a remedy in the form of its new “Co-Host Network” program. Thousands of top-rated hosts have already been added to the network, which allows members to seek or offer help with various property management tasks.

Here’s what we know about the “hosts for hire” feature:

• It’s expected to be included in the upcoming winter update
• Members can set their terms and prices for various management services
• Only those with a 4.8+ rating and at least 10 stays were included

In addition to the U.S., the new network is being launched in Australia, Brazil, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Mexico, Spain, and the United Kingdom.

Listening and adapting

Airbnb Vice President of Product Marketing Judson Coplan said this new approach offers a response to changing consumer expectations and concerns among hosts about property management.

“One of the requests that we had from hosts is that they would really love to be able to find professional, high-quality co-hosts with a great track record in their area whom they can trust,” Coplan said.

So far, many hosts are responding to the opportunity enthusiastically. Reports indicate that, on average, members of the network help manage seven properties.

Other updates include AI summaries and a feature showing prices for similar nearby properties.

Chris Agee October 17th, 2024

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