Airbnb Expands Beyond Stays as Experiences Surge

Airbnb’s expansion into experiences and services is paying off, with nearly half of all experiences booked in Q3 2025 made independently of accommodation reservations. CEO Brian Chesky said the new categories are attracting both new and returning users, signaling progress in the company’s diversification beyond home stays.

According to Chesky, 10% of users who booked services had never used Airbnb before. “We think this is bringing a new audience to Airbnb,” he said. “Services and experiences could eventually inspire guests to add a home to their reservation.”

Airbnb Originals, a curated collection of unique experiences, are also resonating locally. “In Paris, 70% of Airbnb Originals are booked by locals,” Chesky said, adding that the appeal extends beyond travel.

While Chesky expects it will take three to five years for services and experiences to become a major business segment, he remains bullish on their long-term potential.

He also addressed Airbnb’s absence from OpenAI’s ChatGPT app integrations, explaining the company chose to wait until integrations could reflect Airbnb’s brand and uniqueness, rather than appear as a generic data source.

In parallel, Airbnb is piloting hotel listings in cities with strict short-term rental rules, including New York, Los Angeles, and Madrid. Chesky said hotels will complement, not replace, home rentals.

For Q3, Airbnb reported revenue of $4.1 billion, up 10% year over year, and record adjusted EBITDA exceeding $2 billion, supported by 134 million nights and experiences booked globally.

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Airbnb Expands Beyond Stays as Experiences Surge

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