New Airbnb technology to support boutique hotel listings
Homestay site Airbnb has partnered with cloud platform SiteMinder to support boutique hotel listings on its website.
The new technology developed jointly by the two companies will make it possible for hotels to connect booking information to their existing management system in real-time through the third party distribution system, and hospitality businesses that use SiteMinder and "meet Airbnb's hospitality standards" can list rooms on the platform.
The service is expected to launch in March. Airbnb will charge a service fee of 3-5% and will not require contractual agreements, however its "standards" will include things like "unique design characteristics", "inclusion of local influences" and access to "common gathering spaces".
Cameron Houser, Airbnb's program manager for hotels, said: "Small hotels and B&Bs have long used Airbnb and now we're building new tools and partnerships to help these local businesses thrive. We are dedicated to working with small hospitality businesses that excel at offering the best guest experiences."
Mike Ford, managing director and founder of SiteMinder, added: "SiteMinder's partnership with Airbnb offers a new opportunity for boutique hotels to engage the growing number of travellers who seek exceptional hospitality and an authentic local experience. We are delighted to provide an innovative technology solution that now makes it easy for these small accommodation providers to reach the millions of customers who use Airbnb every day."
Founded in 2008, Airbnb lists accommodations in more than 65,000 cities and 191 countries. It has been described as a threat to hotels, targeting business travellers through its Airbnb for Business programme, and reports of the site launching a collection of high-end accommodations which could compete with the luxury hotel market. Earlier this week it was announced Airbnb's brand value had overtaken all but one hotel group.
Airbnb brand value exceeds all but one hotel brand for the first time >>
New Airbnb ‘premium tier' could compete with high-end hotels >>
Airbnb threat to hotels double what was forecast last year >>
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