Airbnb Growth History
Airbnb was born in 2007 when two Hosts welcomed three guests. Since then it has grown to over 4 million Hosts globally. By allowing people to rent their homes to travelers, Airbnb created an authentic travel experience appealing to younger travelers.
Initially, Airbnb integrated with Craigslist to grow enough to gain traction. The founders targeted users like themselves who would feel comfortable on Airbnb. After building an email list, they sent regular updates about their progress.
Challenges Faced by Airbnb
In April 2015, Airbnb expanded to Cuba, one of the first U.S. companies to do so. However, hosts have been accused of evading taxes and regulations. Some guests endured last-minute cancellations, unsafe lodging, theft and even assault.
Current Growth Strategies of Airbnb
Airbnb continues growing with acquisitions, new products like Airbnb Trips, and weekend getaway offerings. These divisions grow much faster than home rentals.