Airbnb Now Offers Bookings for Massages, Chefs, Fitness

This yr, AAA is predicting a brand new Memorial Day weekend journey document with an estimated 45.1 million individuals venturing at the least 50 miles from their houses from Thursday, Might 22, to Monday, Might 26. That is a rise of 1.4 million vacationers in comparison with final yr. (The earlier document was set in 2005 with 44 million individuals, the corporate notes.)

If that offers you pause to hit the street, Airbnb needs to make issues simpler by being your individual private concierge when touring (or deciding to hang around at residence).

Associated: ‘I Can’t Get Everyone to Move Here’: Why Airbnb’s CEO Is Sticking With a Once-a-Month Hybrid Schedule

On Tuesday, the corporate announced a redesigned app with a spate of recent options, together with one referred to as “Companies.”

“Motels do have one factor that we do not have, and people are providers,” CEO and Cofounder Brian Chesky, 43, mentioned on the launch occasion in Los Angeles on Tuesday.

Now, Airbnb customers in 260 cities can e-book issues like meals (in-home and ready-to-eat meals from skilled cooks or full-service catering); images classes; massages and spa remedies (Swedish, deep tissue, reflexology, facials, microdermabrasion, physique scrubs); private coaching (yoga, power coaching, HIIT); and sweetness providers (hair, make-up, nails).

Chesky told the New York Times the corporate was at all times “destined to do extra” than simply be an app to e-book or provide a spot to remain.

^Airbnb

Airbnb says that each one service professionals are “vetted for high quality,” have an “common of 10 years of expertise, accomplished Airbnb’s identification verification course of, and are required to submit related licenses and certifications.”

It is not Joe-from-down-the-block who’s coming to cook dinner your meal (no disrespect to Joe). Airbnb is touting its connections and providing “cooks from Michelin-starred eating places, award-winning photographers, and elite trainers.”

Associated: People Are Making Tons of Money With Airbnb and They Don’t Even Own Property. Here’s How.

However though which will sound costly, the corporate says there are providers in any respect worth factors, with many under $50.

“Airbnb is at the moment used as a noun and a verb, and it means a spot to remain,” Chesky instructed the New York Occasions. “The query we then requested was what in case you may Airbnb greater than an Airbnb and basically monetize the most important asset in your life, which might be not your private home however your time, ardour, and ability set.”