Airbnb is adding new travel services, experiences, and boutique hotels as it looks to become more than just a platform for booking accommodation.
The move builds on the company's expansion into Experiences and Services last year, which allowed travellers to book accommodation, local activities and services such as private chefs through a single app. According to Airbnb, millions of travellers worldwide have already used the platform to combine stays with curated experiences and travel services.
This summer, the company is taking things a step further with airport transfers, luggage storage, grocery delivery, FIFA World Cup 2026 experiences, and a range of AI features designed to make trip planning easier.
New Services To Make Travel Easier
Airbnb is introducing several services to simplify various parts of a journey. Travellers in select cities in the United States can now arrange grocery deliveries through Instacart before arriving at their Airbnb or during their stay. In some cases, hosts can even stock the property before guests check in.
The platform has also partnered with Welcome Pickups to offer airport transfers in more than 160 cities worldwide. Guests can book private rides directly through Airbnb, with drivers tracking flights and meeting travellers upon arrival.
Another new addition is luggage storage through Bounce, giving users access to more than 15,000 storage locations across 175 cities. The service is particularly useful for travellers with early arrivals or late departures.
Later this summer, Airbnb will also launch car rental discovery in the app, allowing users to find vehicles near their accommodation.
More Local Experiences And FIFA World Cup Access
Airbnb is significantly expanding its Experiences platform with thousands of new activities led by local experts.
The company says travellers are increasingly looking for experiences that help them connect with a destination beyond its tourist attractions. To meet that demand, Airbnb now offers more than 3,000 landmark-focused experiences, including visits to the Tower of London, Tokyo Skytree, and the Taj Mahal.
Food remains another major focus. More than 2,500 food and culinary experiences are now available through partnerships, including Chef's Table and Grand Central Market, offering behind-the-scenes access to chefs, markets and local food culture.
One of the biggest announcements is Airbnb's partnership around the FIFA World Cup 2026. The company will offer exclusive experiences across six host cities, including watch parties with football legends Abby Wambach and Julie Foudy, as well as training sessions with former Argentine footballer and coach Javier Mascherano.
Boutique Hotels Come To Airbnb
Airbnb is also expanding into the boutique hotel space, adding thousands of independent hotels across 20 major destinations worldwide.
The first phase includes cities such as New York, Paris, London, Madrid, Rome, and Singapore.
Rather than focusing on large hotel brands, Airbnb says it is prioritising properties known for their design, neighbourhood character and personalised hospitality. To support the rollout, the company is introducing a price-match guarantee for eligible hotel bookings and offering Airbnb credits for selected stays that can be used toward future bookings.
AI Tools For Smarter Trip Planning
Alongside the new services and experiences, Airbnb is rolling out several AI-powered features across its app.
These include AI-generated review summaries that highlight key details from guest reviews, making it easier for travellers to evaluate properties without scrolling through hundreds of comments.
The platform is also introducing AI-powered comparison tools that help users compare multiple listings side by side.
For group trips, a new shared itinerary feature will allow travellers to organise accommodation, restaurants, attractions and experiences in one place.
Another upcoming feature, called Connections and Travel Map, will enable users to see destinations visited by friends and family on Airbnb and discover recommendations based on their trips.
Airbnb's AI-powered customer support assistant is also expanding globally and is now available in 11 languages. Voice-based support is expected to launch later this year.
Commenting on the latest expansion, Airbnb Co-founder and CEO Brian Chesky said, "Travel shouldn’t just be convenient. It should be meaningful. The best trips help you explore, learn, and come home a little different from when you left. That’s what we’re building at Airbnb. And this summer, we’re giving people even more ways to do it—from incredible places to stay and boutique hotels that feel like Airbnb, to unforgettable World Cup experiences and services that make your trip easier."
The new travel services, experiences and boutique hotels are already rolling out across select markets worldwide, with additional features expected to launch through the summer.
(With inputs from various sources)
FAQs
1. What new services has Airbnb launched?
Airbnb has introduced airport transfers, luggage storage, grocery delivery and upcoming car rental discovery features.
2. What are Airbnb FIFA World Cup Experiences?
Airbnb will offer exclusive FIFA World Cup 2026 experiences including watch parties and football training sessions with legends such as Abby Wambach, Julie Foudy and Javier Mascherano.
3. Is Airbnb adding hotels?
Yes. Airbnb is adding thousands of independent boutique hotels across major destinations including New York, Paris, London, Rome, Madrid and Singapore.
4. What AI features is Airbnb introducing?
New AI tools include review summaries, listing comparison tools, shared trip itineraries and AI-powered customer support.
5. Can travellers store luggage through Airbnb?
Yes. Through its partnership with Bounce, Airbnb users can access more than 15,000 luggage storage locations across 175 cities.
6. Does Airbnb now offer airport transfers?
Yes. Airport transfers are available through Welcome Pickups in more than 160 cities worldwide.
