airbnb is adding new social features to its platform that allow guests participating in experiences to communicate and stay in touch.
The new update adds direct messaging capabilities for attendees to connect with other guests, as well as a pre-event dashboard that displays profiles of other attendees participating in the experience.
Business director Dave Stephenson said the latest technology is based on the company’s “vision for where we want to take Airbnb next.” Airbnb says users must opt in to social features for all experiences and can unsubscribe at any time.
Airbnb has launched a new messaging connectivity feature that allows guests to interact with each other.
Provided by: Airbnb
The update follows the travel company’s major app redesign in May, which brought services like catering and personal training to the platform. These changes also included a revamp of the company’s experience business.
The company has long sought to expand beyond its home rental business, but hit pause in 2020 as the onslaught of the pandemic hit travel hard. Earlier this year, Airbnb announced it would invest between $200 million and $250 million in new business opportunities.
During the app overhaul in May, Stephenson told CNBC that he felt Airbnb had a “solid foundation” to expand its service.
Airbnb also updated the artificial intelligence chatbot it started rolling out this year to answer personalized customer support questions. The tool now lets you cancel reservations or adjust dates based on prompts, and is now available in English, Spanish, and French for users in North America.
Other updates include a new flexible carousel that displays a list of alternatives beyond your initial search criteria. The map also includes nearby landmarks, restaurants, and attractions, and users can switch between different views.
