Airbnb Introduces App for Additional Offerings: Experiences and Services
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Airbnb, the popular online marketplace for vacation rentals, has announced a series of significant updates and new features, aiming to redefine the travel experience. The platform is now offering more than just accommodations, expanding its services to include curated local experiences, tours, wellness activities, and dining options [2][3].
One of the key changes is the introduction of the "Reserve Now, Pay Later" payment option. This new feature, currently being tested in the U.S. and Canada, allows eligible guests to secure bookings without upfront payment. Guests pay in full closer to their arrival date, providing them with more financial flexibility and aligning Airbnb's booking process more closely with traditional hotel models [1].
Airbnb's transformation is evident in its relaunch in mid-2025, when it combined vacation rental accommodations with a broader suite of lifestyle and concierge-like services within one platform [2]. The reimagined Experiences marketplace now offers direct access to premium guest services, emphasizing local culture and experiences, making it easier for users to discover and book unique activities [3].
The updated marketplace is just one part of Airbnb's efforts to streamline the user experience. The new app improves navigation and management capabilities, allowing guests and hosts to handle bookings and experiences more efficiently [3].
Notably, Airbnb's policy changes also impact hosts. Starting October 1, 2025, a mandatory 24-hour cancellation grace period for bookings under 28 nights was implemented, shifting some financial risks towards hosts while adding flexibility for guests [5].
In a statement, Airbnb's CEO, Brian Chesky, said, "We're changing travel again." He further added, "Now you can Airbnb more than an Airbnb." The new features and updates are designed to provide guests with more convenience, financial flexibility, and authentic travel options, while hosts can leverage new tools and services to meet evolving traveler expectations [1][2][3][5].
All these features and app upgrades for Airbnb Services and Experiences will roll out globally starting today [4]. Airbnb is now open for professionals to apply to become hosts at airbnb.com/host.
References:
- Airbnb Tests 'Reserve Now, Pay Later' Option in U.S. and Canada
- Airbnb Relaunches as an Everything App
- Airbnb's New App and Marketplace: A Game Changer for Travel
- Airbnb Launches Global Rollout of Services and Experiences Upgrades
- Airbnb Implements 24-Hour Cancellation Grace Period for Hosts
- As Airbnb transitions into an all-encompassing platform, it now offers not only accommodations but also curated local experiences, tours, wellness activities, and dining options, merging technology with travel lifestyle.
- By introducing the "Reserve Now, Pay Later" payment option, Airbnb is aligning its booking process more closely with traditional hotel models, thereby providing users with financial flexibility in their travel arrangements.
