Airbnb signs up first travel management company

Airbnb is aiming to take a larger slice of the business travel market after signing a deal with American Express Global Business Travel.

Agreements with two other TMCs – BCD Travel and Carlson Wagonlit – have also been signed but will be implemented at a later date.

The partnership will make it easier for corporate customers to book accommodation with Airbnb hosts.

The first phase of the American Express GBT deal will go live in the US in the next few weeks, and expand to additional countries, including the UK, France and Germany, later this year.

In announcing the deal, the accommodation-booking site said about 10% of Airbnb customers are business travellers. "This trend is largely driven by those seeking accommodation that allows them to experience cities and neighbourhoods they visit," it said.

Airbnb launched Business Travel Ready listings last year, which are identified by a briefcase badge.

These listings meet certain requirements for certain amenities such as wifi, 24-hour check-in, reviews, responsiveness, and host commitment

During the first phase of the programme, GBT and its customers can book directly on Airbnb.com.

In the coming weeks, GBT will integrate Airbnb booking information into its reporting platform so customers track travellers’ Airbnb bookings.

Once the integration is complete, the reservation details for each business trip will automatically be shared with GBT.

Travellers can also access booking information through GBT’s corporate reporting and duty of care platforms, in addition to their regular corporate itineraries and on mobile devices.

"Business travellers want the freedom to choose accommodation that aligns with their personal and professional tastes," said Wes Bergstrom, GBT’s vice president global supplier relations.

"At the same time, traveller safety and security are a top priority for companies.

"As the first travel management company to partner with Airbnb, our customers can evolve their travel policies to offer travellers the ability to book preferred accommodation."

Lex Bayer, head of global payments and business travel at Airbnb, added: "We are excited to be working with one of the leaders in the travel management space, and look forward to helping business travellers feel more at home while travelling on the road.

"Airbnb for Business gives business travellers access to more than two million homes around the world, and the ability to explore a city like a local, even if it’s just for one night."

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