Airbnb has long been a go-to platform for holiday rentals in the UK, but it is now evolving into a comprehensive travel service that rivals Uber, Deliveroo, and Booking.com. The company is introducing a wide range of new offerings, including car rentals, airport transfers, exclusive FIFA World Cup experiences, and even hotel bookings.
Airport Pickups and Luggage Storage
Just in time for summer travel, airport pickups are now available in the UK. Travelers can book a private car service to and from their Airbnb through a partnership with Welcome Pickups. The service includes flight tracking, and drivers meet guests upon arrival. Airbnb guests receive a 20 per cent discount on every ride.
Additionally, guests can store their luggage before check-in or after checkout through a collaboration with Bounce. The Airbnb app displays nearby drop-off locations and their distances from the listing. Guests enjoy a 15 per cent discount and access to over 15,000 locations across 175 cities, including the UK.
Car Rentals and Experiences
Nearly a quarter of Airbnb guests rent a car during their stay, and soon they will be able to discover and book rental cars directly within the app. This summer, Airbnb is also adding thousands of cultural experiences led by local experts worldwide. These include over 3,000 landmark experiences at iconic sites such as the Tower of London, Tokyo Skytree, and the Taj Mahal. Furthermore, more than 2,500 food culture experiences offer behind-the-scenes access to chefs, markets, and local cuisine. For example, guests can join Chef Gianfranco Pascucci of the Michelin-starred Pascucci al Porticciolo in Rome for a six-course wine pairing, or mix cocktails at Paris's De Vie, one of the world's best bars.
FIFA World Cup and Hotels
FIFA World Cup experiences across the USA's six host cities can also be booked through the app. Options include an intimate watch party in Los Angeles with World Cup champions Abby Wambach and Julie Foudy as the USA takes on Australia, or training on the pitch with Argentine football icon and former Inter Miami manager Javier Mascherano.
While historically focused on rentals, Airbnb is now adding boutique and independent hotels in many cities, including New York, Paris, London, Barcelona, Rome, and Singapore. These hotels are selected for their neighbourhood location, design, and hospitality. Guests who book a featured hotel can receive up to 15 per cent credit toward their next Airbnb home.
Future Plans
Although not yet available in the UK, Airbnb will compete with Deliveroo by offering grocery delivery in partnership with Instacart in over 25 US cities. Guests can pre-stock their Airbnb before check-in.
Brian Chesky, co-founder and CEO of Airbnb, stated: 'Travel shouldn't just be convenient. It should be meaningful. The best trips help you explore, learn and come home a little different than 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.'
