In order to improve safety on the platform, Airbnb will verify listings. The company will review all of the information pertaining to a listing, including addresses, photos, and the hosts. The safety review will extend to all listings on the platform and is scheduled to be finished before the end of 2020.
Airbnb previously stated that it would verify listings that were deemed to be high risk. However, this takes security measures even further. Security is often a top concern for consumers booking accommodations, and Airbnb is clearly making security a priority on its platform.
The company also stated that it will offer guarantees to guests, where if a booking does not match the description then customers will be compensated. Airbnb stated that consumers will be offered similar accommodations or a refund.
Secure Accommodation Platforms
Airbnb Will Extensively Verify Listings on the Platform
Trend Themes
1. Verified-listing Platforms - Opportunity to create a platform that exclusively verifies listings to increase trust and safety for users.
2. Guaranteed-booking Platforms - Opportunity to create a platform that offers guarantees to guests if their booking does not match the description provided.
3. Security-focused Accommodation Platforms - Opportunity to create a platform that focuses on consumer safety and security as a top priority, like Airbnb.
Industry Implications
1. Hospitality Industry - Opportunity for hotels and other forms of accommodations to increase their safety measures and offer guarantees similar to those provided by Airbnb.
2. Real Estate Industry - Opportunity for real estate companies to create a similar platform to Airbnb that focuses on verified listings and security for short-term rentals.
3. Travel Industry - Opportunity for travel agencies to partner with verified-listing platforms and offer accommodations that prioritize safety and security for their customers.