airbnb is adding new social features to its platform that provide attendees with the experience to communicate and stay in touch.
The new update adds a direct messaging feature for attendees to connect with other guests and a pre-event dashboard that shows profiles of other participants attending the experience.
Business head Dave Stephenson said the updated technology builds on the company’s vision of “where to take Airbnb next”. Airbnb said users must opt in to social features for every experience and can unsubscribe at any time.
Airbnb launched a new messaging connection feature that allows guests to interact.
Courtesy: AirBnB
Updates follow the travel company Major app redesign in MayWhich brought services like catering and personal training to the platform. Those changes also included a revamp of the company’s experiences business.
Over the years, the company has sought to expand beyond the home rental business, but travel came to a halt as the pandemic struck in 2020. Earlier this year, Airbnb said it would invest $200 million to $250 million new business opportunity.
At the time of the May app overhaul, Stephenson told CNBC that Airbnb felt it had a “strong base” to expand its offerings.
Airbnb has also updated it artificial intelligence Chatbots were introduced this year to answer personalized customer support questions. The tool can now cancel reservations or adjust dates when prompted and is available in English, Spanish and French for users in North America.
Other updates include new flexible carousels that show alternative listings outside the initial search criteria. Maps will also include nearby landmarks, restaurants, and attractions, and allow users to toggle between different views.
