Airbnb expands into services and experiences, plans more social and AI features

Airbnb has launched a new feature enabling guests to book services and experiences, such as massages or cultural tours, alongside their stays or independently. This initiative aims to attract travelers beyond just booking accommodations, with features like cooking classes, fitness workshops, and celebrity-led experiences available in 10 categories across 1,000 cities globally. Hosts must undergo verification checks for quality, while users receive a flat price for both services and experiences. The platform also introduces social features post-trip group chats and AI-driven customer service to enhance user experience.