Airbnb

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Airbnb is an online marketplace that connects people looking for lodging with individuals offering their homes or other properties for short-term rentals. It was founded in 2008 by Brian Chesky, Joe Gebbia, and Nathan Blecharczyk in San Francisco, California. The concept began when Chesky and Gebbia decided to rent out air mattresses in their apartment to attendees of a design conference, leading to the name "Air Bed & Breakfast." The platform allows hosts to list their properties for rent, including houses, apartments, and unique accommodations such as treehouses, yurts, and boats. The platform is accessible through a website and mobile app, and it operates in over 220 countries and regions worldwide.

Airbnb utilizes a peer-to-peer model where hosts can set prices, availability, and house rules, while guests can search, book, and pay through the platform. Reviews and ratings are central to the system, with both hosts and guests able to leave feedback after their stay, helping build trust and reputation within the community. The company earns revenue by taking a commission from each booking, charging both the host and the guest a service fee. In addition to short-term rentals, Airbnb offers "Experiences," where local hosts provide guided activities, workshops, and tours to enhance visitors' travel experiences.

The platform faced regulatory challenges in various cities due to concerns about housing shortages, rent inflation, and the impact of short-term rentals on neighborhoods. Several cities, including New York and Barcelona, introduced regulations requiring hosts to register their properties or comply with zoning laws. Airbnb has worked with local governments to implement tax collection systems, ensuring that hosts contribute to local lodging taxes. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Airbnb implemented new safety and cleanliness protocols to reassure travelers, including a set of guidelines for hosts to follow when cleaning their properties. The company went public on December 10, 2020, listing its shares on the Nasdaq under the ticker symbol "ABNB."

Some of Airbnb's major competitors in the online short-term rental market include VRBO, Booking.com, and Expedia. The platform is widely used by both travelers seeking more personalized accommodation options and property owners looking for supplementary income through short-term rental opportunities.