Airbnb co-founder and CEO Brian Chesky talked about the Airbnb experience and the launch of the Airbnb service on May 13, 2025 at Airbnb Summer Reasone Keynote in Los Angeles, California.
Patrick T. Fallon | AFP | Getty Images
Airbnb A redesigned app was launched Tuesday to showcase the company’s push to allow travelers to book services such as catering and personal training in its home rentals.
The new look app marks a new chapter in Airbnb's expansion into home accommodation. The company had previously announced plans to invest $200 million to $250 million in a new business and said it hopes to be a major driver of future revenue growth.
"We now feel we have a solid foundation and have the ability to build and scale," Airbnb's business leader Dave Stephenson told CNBC.
The company had previously tried to surpass home rents, but set aside those efforts in 2020 to focus on its core business as Covid Pandemic Chantered Berted Borders and cuts tourism.
Airbnb shares fell earlier this month after the company released disappointing revenue guidance in its first-quarter earnings report, saying it saw some "softness" in its travel from Canada to the U.S. amid macroeconomic uncertainty.
"One of our apps has really done so far, and that's what lets you book a home," CEO Brian Chesky said on Airbnb's May 1 revenue call. "We rebuilt the app from scratch in a new tech stack. Now we can innovate faster and offer more homes."
Airbnb Services tab.
Courtesy: Airbnb
The app's new service tab provides 10 categories that users can choose and book during rental periods. These products include services such as spa treatments, dining or prepared meals or personal training courses. These service products will debut in 260 cities around the world. Stephenson said the company hopes the update will compare Airbnb with products travelers often find in hotels and resorts.
To ensure quality, Airbnb added its review team, which includes legal professionals to evaluate certificate and licensing requirements, which vary by city, Stephenson said. The company said service providers have an average of 10 years of experience.
The app update will also include a home page tab to emphasize Airbnb's experience business. The new TAB divides the experience into 19 categories including live performances, landmark tours, construction tours and exercises, all available in 650 cities. The company first launched its experience in 2016.
The Experience tab will include events and tours designed by Airbnb, called original works, such as a tour of Notre Dame with the restoration architects of Paris. Stephenson said the company is also working to provide experience and services at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan.
Airbnb also said it is updating its social features so users can see other guests participating experiences. The new message section will also enable photo and video sharing and have updated privacy features to interact with co-tourists later this year.