Audio By Carbonatix
Airbnb says users will now be able to book luxury services like personal trainers, massages and chefs on its redesigned app as it continues to expand beyond its core short-term rentals business.
"People choose hotels for their services. People choose Airbnbs for the space... now, we're giving you the best of both worlds", the company's chief executive Brian Chesky said in a statement.
It comes just weeks after the firm signalled bookings may slow in the US as President Trump's unpredictable trade policies hit consumer sentiment.
Despite hosting more than two billion guests since its launch in 2008, Airbnb has also faced challenges in recent years with some cities moving to ban short-term lets.
Airbnb's new services will initially be available in 260 cities, with the company saying they will cost from below $50 (£37.57).
The luxury offerings, which include spa treatments, photographers and makeup artists, can also be booked by people who are not staying in Airbnbs.
The company's revamped app also includes an updated experiences tab, allowing users to book bespoke tours and activities. That service was first launched in 2016.
The new hotel-like features reflect the changing needs of tourists, Gary Bowerman, director of travel marketing firm Check-in Asia told the BBC.
"Travellers are now thinking much more about how to customise the trip for themselves, not just the actual functional parts of how they get there and where they stay."
Another feature of the new app is an originals tab, which offers exclusive experiences across the world.
This includes playing beach volleyball in Rio de Janeiro with Olympian Carol Solberg or spending a Sunday with National Football League superstar Patrick Mahomes.
Bespoke options like this are part of a wider trend as tourists seek out off-the-beaten path experiences, said luxury travel consultant Anastasia Oriordan.
"There are so many people that have travelled and done so many things, that the benchmark or the goalpost for unique experiences is constantly moving."
Latest Stories
-
Ghana and Germany deepen economic partnership: A new era of investment and cooperation
20 minutes -
Breaking up before the holidays: Is it better to let go before or after the festive season?
22 minutes -
From waste to purpose: Prudential Life advances no-plastic-use agenda with plastic recycled desk project
31 minutes -
Jerry Ahmed opposes use of athletes’ bonuses as Sports Fund sources
54 minutes -
Water supply disruption looms as Weija Plant undergoes maintenance on Friday
56 minutes -
Accra: Corn miller in court for planning to set Kantamanto shops ablazeÂ
58 minutes -
Over 1.3m young Ghanaians out of work or school – GSS
1 hour -
Merqury Quaye Live DJ Concert set for December 25 at Laboma Beach Resort
1 hour -
Six drivers arrested as AMA boss enforces approved public transport fares
1 hour -
Aephaniel Owusu-Agyemang: A journey of leadership, policy and economic purpose
1 hour -
Victory for Ghana’s forests: Civil society hails revocation of controversial L.I. 2462
2 hours -
HIV testing should be mandatory for employment in Ghana – Habib Iddrisu
2 hours -
The use of ‘olonka’ must end, we need proper measuring scale – Kofi Kapito
2 hours -
Gov’t bans mining in forest reserves; violators face up to 25 years in prison
2 hours -
Timely disability funds key to ending street begging — Oforikrom MCE
2 hours
