
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
-
Kumasi soccer fans upbeat about Ghana’s progress at 2026 World Cup after Black Stars, England stalemate
45 seconds -
From career-threatening injury to Ghana’s World Cup heroics : Benjamin Asare miracle rise
7 minutes -
GSA moves to establish national organic certification scheme to boost Ghana’s export competitiveness
17 minutes -
A journey through Ashanti and beyond: A travelogue of roads, stories, and unexpected adventures
19 minutes -
ESPA attributes Kaneshie Market refuse crisis to shortage of landfill sites in Greater Accra
21 minutes -
Traders at Kaneshie Market raise alarm over overflowing refuse and health risks
23 minutes -
Sights and scenes from Ghana’s World Cup draw against England in the USA
25 minutes -
JAC Motors present Caleb Yirenkyi with MVP award after win over Panama
28 minutes -
Malaysia’s non-interest finance playbook: Ghanaian regulators hit the classroom to shape Ghana’s banking future
35 minutes -
Formalise NAIMOS with L.I. to fight galamsey—Minority
35 minutes -
Inside the Kwabenya shooting: The family feud, arrests and gun licence crackdown
38 minutes -
Herbert Mensah backs Ghana’s defensive approach after goalless draw with England
39 minutes -
Ashanti region Health Directorate launches mass drug campaign against river blindness and bilharzia
42 minutes -
NDC was not founded for personal gain and political opportunism — Totobi Quakyi
45 minutes -
NPP’s 2024 defeat proves NDC’s founding ideals still matter to Ghanaians — Tsatsu Tsikata
48 minutes