Airbnb Now Lets You Book Personal Chefs, Trainers, and More While Travelling

Airbnb is rolling out a major redesign of its app as it takes a bold step toward becoming a full-service travel platform, offering users the option to book personal services such as chefs, fitness trainers, and massage therapists directly through its platform.

The move marks a return to the company’s broader vision of delivering an “end-to-end” travel experience – a goal that was shelved during the COVID-19 pandemic as the company focused on its core home-rental business.

With the newly introduced “Airbnb Services” feature, users in 100 cities around the world can now hire professionals across 10 categories, including hair stylists, makeup artists, and photographers, either during their stays or at home – even if they’re not lodging in an Airbnb property.

“This is part of what we’ve always wanted to do – go beyond just a place to stay,” said Dave Stephenson, Airbnb’s Chief Business Officer, in an interview with CNN. “Now we’re finally able to show what that looks like.”

Examples include hiring a chef in Austin to prepare a backyard barbecue or booking a fashion photographer in Paris for a street-style photoshoot. All service providers are vetted by Airbnb and must show proof of their qualifications and licenses before being approved.

Airbnb is also revamping its “Experiences” section, first launched in 2016, by introducing “Airbnb Originals” – exclusive activities curated in partnership with local experts. These include immersive tours and workshops, such as a behind-the-scenes visit to Notre-Dame Cathedral with a restoration architect or a pastry class at a famed Paris bakery. Unlike standard experiences, Originals are only available through Airbnb.

To complement the new offerings, Airbnb’s app will now present a more integrated “Trips” tab, automatically populating users’ itineraries with booked services and experiences alongside their accommodation details, check-in instructions, and recommendations. The company is positioning the update as a way to help travelers plan their entire trip in one place – rivaling platforms like Expedia or traditional hotels that offer all-inclusive amenities.

This relaunch comes at a delicate time for the travel sector. Despite reporting a strong first quarter, Airbnb has cautioned investors about a possible slowdown in bookings and stagnant nightly rates. The company has also grappled with local regulatory challenges and privacy concerns in recent years.

Still, Stephenson sees opportunity. “In times of economic uncertainty, we often see more people listing properties or services to supplement income, and more travelers seeking cost-effective options,” he said.

With this overhaul, Airbnb is doubling down on its ambition to go beyond accommodation and become a comprehensive lifestyle platform for travelers around the world.