Airbnb claims 20,000 hosts apply for Plus, 1,100 hotels also want in

Airbnb is clearly hoping its evolution of the brand to account for different types of properties will capture the attention of existing hosts.

One element of its new strategy, known as Airbnb Plus, where properties are "elevated" to a higher tier based on an apparent better level of comfort and overall quality, appears to be doing well in the month since the product was announced.

Airbnb reckons some 20,000 hosts have applied to have their listings included in the Plus level of properties.

"Strong interest", it says, has come from owners in Los Angeles (3,100), London (1,500) and the Indonesian island of Bali (1,200).

Bringing properties up to Plus level has come by way of improving wifi provision, adding other amenities such as TVs, as well as introducing perks for guests such as food and beverage supplies.

Homes that have been renovated are also applying to be included.

Early hotel interest

Over on the hotel side of the strategy, Airbnb claims more than 1,100 boutique properties and B&Bs have also got in touch with the company in order to be considered.

Siteminder is currently the only hotel distribution provider that is officially allowed to work with Airbnb.

Airbnb says an additional 1,500 things to do have been added to its Experiences platform in the past month, coinciding with 15 new destinations being featured in the product.