MarketsAirbnb for business, Business Travel program, 1, 000 companies, Jeff Mannie, Marc McCabe
Aug 24, 2015 11:19 PM EDT
There are 1,000 businesses from 35 different companies that have officially signed up for Airbnb's latest corporate peer-to-peer lodging service, "Airbnb for Business."
More popularly known as a website that lets travelers rent out homes online, Airbnb is expanding its services to executives with 500 firms signing up for the company's new business travel service just one day after it was launched on July 20. Now, after a month, there are 1,000 companies coming from that signed up for the service.
Program head Marc McCabe claimed that more and more business travellers are clamouring for a new and better business trip service. This is proven by the warm corporate response that their Business Travel program received.
He pointed out details saying that the average business travel stay on their company is about 6.8 days, which means customers want an integration of business and leisure. These business travelers are also looking for a way to add a weekend to visit a new destination.
Some of the businesses that signed up for the new travel services are from Fortune 1000 companies like Google and online storage firm Box. These companies are now allowing their employees to use Airbnb's accommodation in more than 190 countries.
Box Vice President Jeff Mannie said they are impressed with Airbnb's new Business Travel product suite that offers new unique destinations with temporary housing, team offsites, and conventions. Through this service, the companies can build a better working relationship through sharing accommodations. Mannie said Airbnb is making it easier and more convenient for business users to travel and expand their relationships.
The new tool basically allows corporate travel departments to see employee itineraries and financial information. It has also automated billing process. Airbnb for Business lets travelling businessmen choose the best options by filtering the choices and directing them to find Wi-Fi ready apartments and other important amenities.