Airbnb tackles overtourism with expanded search options
Airbnb unveiled new features which represent ‘the biggest change to Airbnb in a decade.’
The company wants to ‘redistribute’ users away from log-jammed destinations to combat overtourism.
Under new search functions, consumers can pick from an expanded range of categories such as ‘beach’ ‘countryside’ ‘iconic cities’ and more.
It is a conscious move to encourage travelers to change the way they search rather than focusing only on a specific destination.
“We felt everyone was just going to the same places. They’re just typing in Las Vegas and Orlando and Miami and Rome and Los Angeles and New York,” Airbnb chief Brian Chesky said at a briefing.
“We’re trying to spread everyone out over as many places and as many dates as possible.”
Airbnb highlighted a redesign of its website, allowing users to explore options without a specific destination in mind.
The company also unveiled ‘Split Stays’.
This allows bookings of more than one listing for longer stays in a single destination.
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