Phocuswright Europe 2023: Airbnb on growth and challenges

The travel industry had a good year in 2022 for the most part with volumes almost back to pre-pandemic levels across many segments.

Little wonder then that Airbnb was bullish about 2023 in its recent earnings call despite some of the ongoing issues facing the short-term rental segment such as rising inflation and the war in Ukraine.

The company saw two of its most profitable quarters ever in Q2 and Q3 of 2022 and anticipates more of the same this year as consumer confidence and demand remain high.

The question is whether the macro issues will be compounded by segment-specific challenges such as regulations, new market entrants and a squeeze on inventory.

Investor appetite in short-term rentals has continued with funding into a number of startups while other new entrants have been expanding through acquisition.

While this demonstrates confidence in the sector, it also potentially signals more players chasing the same pie.

Works in progress

Airbnb continues to attract attention with its own moves from its introduction of identity verification for bookings to its recent decision to halt new experiences.

Amir Segall, the company’s commercial director, will take to the Center Stage at Phocuswright Europe in Barcelona in June to discuss trends and growth in the marketplace, the ongoing professionalization of the industry and its own recent developments. He’ll touch on the opportunities for the sector to continue to grow as well as the hurdles that might get in the way during the live stage session.