EDITOR'S COMMENT
• Airbnb's priorities for the year ahead are becoming clearer by the week, after it emerged that the company is issuing a global ban on indoor security cameras at its listings and it is planning to terminate its Luckey concierge service in France in May.
The two announcements highlight Airbnb's desire to leverage professional property managers to enhance trust and reassure its hosts and guests, as the company bids to increase its supply and revenue. Only this month, the home-sharing platform committed to verifying nearly 1.5 million listings across the United States, Canada, Australia, the UK and France by 31 March, but it has said the same before, and so the industry will be justifiably sceptical about the extent of Airbnb's commitment to enhancing trust and security.
The acquisition of Luckey [then Luckey Homes] in late 2018 allowed Airbnb to bring more hosts onto its platform, grow its network in France, and align its concierge services with Airbnb's now-discontinued Plus category of verified accommodations offering high-end amenities. However, Airbnb has since relaunched its co-hosting marketplace via its ‘Hosting Services’ page and introduced 'Guest Favorites' [a collection of the most highly rated and reviewed homes], therefore it makes sense for the company to streamline its services and direct its focus towards the broader mission.
• After the closure of the Shortyz Awards submissions period, we now proceed to a judging period to decide the 20 shortlists, which will be announced in early April. Read our article on the next steps here and book your tickets now for the in-person awards ceremony on Tuesday 23 April at this link.
• Don't miss our next 'Pitch to Paul' webinar which returns for its fifth edition on Tuesday 26 March [4pm GMT] as three innovative travel and hospitality startups pitch for potential investment. Book your free virtual seat now at this link.
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