Airbnb has signed up more than 250 businesses to its corporate travel program. The community-sourced accommodation company has added a new dashboard for travel planners that includes itineraries, financial reporting and central billing. Airbnb is running a “business ready” pilot to address companies’ concerns about safety and security and the need for more business-friendly properties. But it still faces challenges around regulation, taxation and—increasingly—competition, as hotel chains develop similar products.
Nonetheless, Airbnb’s commitment to gaining ground in the corporate market is clear, and business travelers will continue to try its accommodations. Such sharing-economy providers already are important niche suppliers that fit certain types of companies, travelers and trips. But they could also have a wider appeal in markets with limited hotel availability. New York City is a prime example. With thousands of listings in Manhattan alone, Airbnb has provided relief to travelers looking for rooms in a crowded market with limited hotel supply.
Airbnb reports that businesses headquartered in more than 35 countries include Airbnb in their corporate travel programs. Even if your travelers aren’t using Airbnb, it’s probably having an effect on your program: The extra inventory Airbnb contributes helps keep hotel rates in check.
Want to know more about Airbnb and how economic trends and innovations will affect your corporate travel program next year? Download the recently released 2016 Industry Forecast from Advito, the consulting arm of BCD Travel.
