How Airbnb Became a Global Hospitality Powerhouse

Airbnb has reshaped the hospitality world in just over a decade. What began as a one-room idea in San Francisco is now a global platform with millions of stays in over 200 countries. This article will take you on Airbnb’s journey from three roommates and a few air mattresses to a powerhouse brand. You’ll learn how a simple solution to a lodging shortage grew into an international community, what problems Airbnb solved for travelers and hosts, and the key strategies that fueled its expansion. Along the way, we’ll highlight the innovations, challenges, and lessons that entrepreneurs can draw from Airbnb’s rise.

The Origin Story

In 2007, two childhood friends from Rhode Island School of Design – Brian Chesky and Joe Gebbia – moved to San Francisco and found themselves struggling to pay the rent. When they noticed a big design conference leaving hotels in short supply, Joe had an idea: put air mattresses in their living room and rent them out as a bed-and-breakfast. They bought three inflatable mattresses and launched a simple website called AirBed & Breakfast, offering a place to sleep and homemade breakfast for $80 a night. Their first guests were two men and a woman, each paying $80, which covered their rent and proved the concept. Soon after, Chesky’s tech-savvy friend Nathan Blecharczyk joined as the third co-founder and helped build a more polished site. In August 2008, just in time for the US political conventions in Denver, airbedandbreakfast.com officially launched with 80 bookings. At SXSW in March 2008 they had only two bookings, but by making it through an up-and-down launch year, the founders had laid the groundwork for what would become Airbnb.

The Core Use Case

Airbnb solved a very human problem: people needed affordable, local places to stay, and homeowners had extra space to share. Guests could find rooms or whole homes often cheaper or more interesting than hotels, especially during big events or in crowded cities. For example, travelers to conventions or festivals suddenly had new options when hotels were full. Hosts, on the other hand, could monetize spare bedrooms or second homes, turning otherwise unused space into income. Chesky would later explain that Airbnb isn’t just about renting houses – it’s about making anywhere feel like home. By sharing local tips (where to find the best tacos or the coziest coffee shop), hosts offered guests not just a place to sleep but a personal connection to the neighborhood. This early focus on community and belonging – ensuring guests felt welcomed and empowered hosts to share their culture – became Airbnb’s defining vision of “Belong anywhere.”

Unique Value Proposition

Airbnb’s innovation was to create a peer-to-peer (P2P) lodging marketplace with built-in trust. Rather than owning hotels, Airbnb aggregated millions of individual listings on its platform. This allowed travelers to enjoy unique accommodations – from city apartments to countryside cottages – often at lower cost. To overcome the natural trust barrier in renting from strangers, Airbnb introduced features like two-way reviews (hosts rate guests and vice versa), verified IDs, and secure messaging. They also launched the Host Guarantee (a promise to cover damages up to $1M) and 24/7 support, which reassured users on both sides. A slick, easy-to-use app and website helped too, making searching and booking simple. In late 2016, they expanded beyond lodging with Airbnb Experiences, offering curated local activities (cooking classes, guided tours, music sessions, etc.), so guests could explore places with hosts, not just sleep there. All of these elements – diverse stays, a strong review system, host protection, and local experiences – set Airbnb apart from traditional hospitality and cemented its value proposition.

The Growth Journey – Key Milestones

Airbnb’s rise can be seen in five overlapping phases. Each brought new challenges and bold decisions that drove its expansion:

• Early Hustle (2008–2011)

In these scrappy years, the founders hustled nonstop. They joined Y Combinator in early 2009 after raising $30K by selling Obama- and McCain-themed cereal, earning $20K from YC for 6% of the company. Armed with that seed funding, they knocked on doors in New York to find hosts and refine their model. By early 2011, growth was accelerating. They launched mobile apps and the Instant Book feature (so guests could book immediately without host approval). International expansion began in 2011 with the opening of their first overseas office in Germany. By the end of 2011, Airbnb had gone from a handful of listings to hundreds of thousands worldwide, proving the model worked beyond Silicon Valley.

• Traction & Funding (2011–2014)

Riding that momentum, Airbnb raised giant funding rounds. By mid-2014 they had attracted investors like Andreessen Horowitz, Sequoia, and T. Rowe Price, eventually totaling over $3 billion and a $25 billion valuation. Major features rolled out: the $1M Host Guarantee (2012) gave hosts confidence, and a major redesign in 2014 introduced the Bélo logo – a symbol of “belonging” that became Airbnb’s signature. During this period Airbnb also built out its corporate and user infrastructure: it opened an international HQ in San Francisco (888 Brannan Street in 2013) and struck deals like accepting Airbnb stays as business travel expenses via Concur. By late 2013, over 9 million guests had experienced Airbnb, and listings climbed by 250,000 that year alone. In 2014, Airbnb earned broader recognition – for example, it became an official Olympic accommodations partner for Rio 2016 – solidifying its status as a global brand.

• Global Brand Phase (2014–2019)

Once a hot startup, Airbnb became a household name. It rapidly expanded into new markets (including launching a China-specific brand “Aibiying” in 2017) and scaled its community. By 2018, hosts in 191+ countries had opened their doors. The company continually refined the platform: in late 2016, Airbnb Experiences launched to boost guests’ cultural immersion (early examples included wine tastings in Italy or jazz lessons in New Orleans). They also acquired strategic businesses like Luxe (luxury homes) and HotelTonight (last-minute bookings) by 2019, broadening their market. This era had challenges too – local governments in cities like New York, Paris and Barcelona started imposing strict rules on short-term rentals, arguing Airbnb was reducing affordable housing. Airbnb engaged in policy debates, urging cities not to “clamp down” on hosts without addressing core housing issues. By the end of 2019 Airbnb had created powerful marketing campaigns (think “Live There” ads and the #WeAccept Super Bowl spot), and it reportedly served well over 100 million guest arrivals (the “fast facts” say over 2 billion in total by now). In short, Airbnb had transitioned from startup scrappiness into a mature global platform.

• Pandemic Response (2020–2022)

The COVID-19 pandemic threw Airbnb into uncharted territory. Travel plummeted, and millions of bookings were canceled. In March 2020, Airbnb announced that guests could cancel bookings for free under a new Extenuating Circumstances policy, which meant they refunded guests in cash or credit for reservations through mid-2020. This angered many hosts who lost income, so the company promised to find ways to support hosts as well. In parallel, Airbnb pivoted quickly: it launched Frontline Stays to house healthcare workers and first responders, and Online Experiences for hosts to offer virtual events (cooking classes, workouts, tours) when travel halted. To reassure travelers, Airbnb rolled out enhanced cleaning protocols and flexible booking options. Despite the chaos, Airbnb went public in December 2020 – a bold move during a “tumultuous year.” The IPO was a huge success: Airbnb’s stock more than doubled from its initial price on day one, valuing the company around $100 billion. By mid-2021, travel demand was rebounding faster than expected, especially for local and “work from anywhere” trips, and Airbnb’s bookings grew 9.5% from 2023 to 2024, demonstrating resilience. Throughout the pandemic, Airbnb also expanded its social initiatives – launching Airbnb.org to provide emergency housing for those in need (such as refugees and disaster victims) – showing a commitment beyond just commerce.

• Post-IPO Innovation (2022–Present)

Now as a public company, Airbnb continues to innovate. The product team rolls out major updates twice a year (spring and winter “Releases”) adding dozens of features: for example, Airbnb Categories (2022) helps users browse stays by style (like “Beach” or “Luxe”), and Split Stays lets travelers book two different homes on one trip. They introduced Airbnb Setup (2022) to help hosts stage and furnish new listings, and Airbnb Rooms (2023) which let people rent private bedrooms at lower prices while in shared homes. Under the hood, Airbnb is investing in smarter tech – using machine learning for better search results and personalized suggestions, and testing AI chatbots to plan trips. The company has also renewed focus on longer-term stays and business travel, launching programs like Airbnb for Work. By late 2023, over 8 million active listings existed worldwide (a new record), and Airbnb continues to refine its core experience with initiatives such as Airbnb Plus (verified high-quality homes) and AirCover (comprehensive host/guest insurance). Even after 15+ years, Airbnb’s journey of experimentation and adaptation goes on.

Global Scaling Strategy

Airbnb’s global expansion relied on a combination of localization and network effects. From early on, the company translated its platform into dozens of languages and accepted many currencies, making it accessible in nearly every market. It opened regional offices (Europe’s first in 2011, then Asia, Latin America, etc.) and hired local teams to understand rules and culture. The strategy was “think global, act local”: for example, in China Airbnb launched a joint venture brand (“Aibiying”) tailored to Chinese users, and in India they tested low-commission plans to attract more hosts. Airbnb also formed partnerships with local tourism boards and governments. In 2018 it created a Tourism Advisory Board and launched a “Healthy Tourism” office to promote sustainable travel and work with cities on responsible hosting. Additionally, Airbnb’s City Portal (2020) provides data to help governments see where listings are concentrated, facilitating cooperation on regulation. Data-driven insights guided expansions; for instance, recognizing that 75% of bookings in 2011 were international pushed Airbnb to recruit hosts abroad. Moreover, “network effect” was key: each new host in a city made it more attractive for visitors, and vice versa. Today, hosts in over 220 countries welcome guests, and Airbnb even boasts listings in about 150,000 cities worldwide. By giving travelers local experiences everywhere and tailoring its product to local needs, Airbnb effectively scaled its community around the globe.

Value to Stakeholders

Airbnb’s platform delivers value on multiple levels. Hosts gain flexible, entrepreneurial income: someone with a spare room or vacation home can become a micro-entrepreneur. All-time, hosts have earned over $300 billion on Airbnb, with the typical U.S. host making about $15,000 in 2024. Many hosts cite personal rewards too, like meeting new people and sharing their culture, echoing Chesky’s note that Airbnb rewards are “not just financial — they’re personal”.

Guests get access to unique, often cheaper accommodations, from city apartments to countryside cabins. They enjoy the chance to connect with local hosts and feel at home. Airbnb’s philosophy of “belonging anywhere” means travelers have more authentic experiences and choices than standard hotels.

Local communities and economies benefit as well. Airbnb helps distribute tourism beyond big hotel zones: visitors stay in residential areas, spending money at neighborhood shops and eateries. The company has noted that visits to lesser-known destinations have surged, bringing economic uplift where tourism dollars are needed most. In crisis situations – like after hurricanes or during the Ukraine refugee emergency – Airbnb has mobilized hosts to provide free or low-cost lodging, demonstrating its societal value. All told, when 4 million guests stayed in Airbnb listings on the “biggest night” in history, that translated to billions of dollars flowing to small-scale hosts and their communities, illustrating the platform’s broad impact.

Challenges and Controversies

Airbnb’s path hasn’t been smooth. On the regulatory front, many cities have tightened rules around short-term rentals. Critics accuse Airbnb of reducing housing availability and inflating rents. Airbnb counters that problem isn’t P2P rentals but a housing shortage and even argues that cutting Airbnb listings can worsen overtourism in hotels. The company has faced fines and lawsuits (for example, New York City challenged Airbnb for not sharing host data). Airbnb has responded by creating tools for compliance (like requiring hosts to register local licenses on the app) and by lobbying for fair regulations.

Safety and trust have also been concerns. Over the years there were some high-profile incidents (crimes or disruptive parties) in Airbnb rentals. To address this, Airbnb steadily strengthened its safety measures: it verifies user identities, has 24/7 support, and in 2021 launched AirCover, offering free damage protection and other safeguards to hosts and guests. It also instituted a strict party ban policy. While no system is perfect, these steps have made the platform safer and more reliable.

The COVID-19 crisis was another major challenge. Early on, Airbnb’s emergency refund policies angered some hosts who lost income on canceled reservations. The company later offered guidance and incremental payouts to help hosts survive (e.g. loans, host relief fund). Simultaneously, Airbnb dealt fairly with guests facing travel bans by offering options to cancel for credit. This transparent communication (and a pivot to “Frontline Stays” and “Online Experiences” as mentioned) helped stabilize the platform during uncertainty.

Other controversies included discrimination (Airbnb faced several cases of racial bias by hosts). In 2020 it launched Project Lighthouse to collaborate with civil-rights groups on reducing bias, and it enforces an “anti-discrimination policy” strictly. Airbnb’s activism on issues like refugee housing and its 2017 #WeAccept campaign (during the US travel ban) also put it in the political spotlight; critics said it was virtue-signaling, but supporters saw it as reflecting Airbnb’s inclusive brand values.

All in all, Airbnb’s strategy has been to address concerns through technology (profile verification, emergency tools), policy changes, and partnerships with local authorities, balancing growth with responsibility.

Innovation and Differentiation

What keeps Airbnb ahead? One word: innovation. The company constantly refines the user experience. Every app update, algorithm tweak, or A/B test aims to help guests find the perfect stay and hosts fill their calendars. Airbnb invented or popularized many features now common in travel apps: instant booking, rich user reviews, wish lists, map-based search filters and more.

Airbnb also pioneered the “platform + experiences” model in travel. Its Experiences product (launched 2016) let hosts offer things to do – cooking classes, guided hikes, photo tours – transforming each trip into an immersive adventure. Recently, Airbnb launched new categories (like “OMG! homes” for unusual houses, and category Collections for curated stays), as well as tools like Smart Pricing (using data to suggest competitive nightly rates).

On the tech front, Airbnb is an early adopter: it’s explored machine learning for personalized recommendations and image analysis, and open-sourced significant code (like its React Native integration) to push the industry forward. The company invests in AI-driven search to help users narrow choices.

Even culturally, Airbnb keeps evolving. Its branding around belonging and inclusivity has remained central: marketing campaigns and internal programs emphasize diversity and sustainable travel. The “Home” symbolism (the Bélo logo, inclusive staffing pledges, etc.) helps Airbnb stand out against faceless hotel chains.

Finally, Airbnb’s agility (able to launch things like Live Anywhere work policies or Friendly Apartments for part-time hosts) shows how it differentiates through foresight. By combining technology, brand storytelling, and constant product refreshes, Airbnb stays at the leading edge of hospitality innovation.

Future Outlook and Lessons Learned

Looking ahead, travel trends suggest Airbnb will continue to grow in new directions. The rise of remote work means people want longer stays in home-like environments, sometimes blending leisure with work. Airbnb is already supporting “digital nomads” with long-term booking features and remote-work-friendly filters. Personalization will be huge: expect more AI to tailor trips to your tastes (perhaps even chatbots planning multi-stop vacations). Also, as sustainability and conscious travel grow, Airbnb is poised to emphasize eco-friendly stays and support “off-the-beaten-path” tourism that benefits local communities.

Airbnb’s transformation from a small startup to a global hospitality leader offers a wealth of lessons for entrepreneurs and new ventures. By solving real problems, adapting to challenges, and prioritizing user trust, Airbnb reshaped the travel industry. Below, we explore the key strategies that fueled their success and how startups can apply these principles to their own journeys. These lessons are drawn from Airbnb’s history, strategies, and innovations, providing actionable insights for building a scalable, impactful business.

1. Solve a Real Need with a Unique Solution

Airbnb began in 2008 when founders Brian Chesky, Joe Gebbia, and Nathan Blecharczyk needed to pay rent. They created a simple website to rent out air mattresses during a San Francisco design conference, addressing a local shortage of hotel rooms. This practical solution evolved into a global platform connecting travelers with unique accommodations. By identifying a genuine need—affordable, authentic travel options—Airbnb tapped into a universal demand.

Takeaway: Startups should focus on solving specific, relatable problems with innovative solutions. Conduct market research to validate needs and ensure your product offers a distinct value proposition. For example, Airbnb’s home-sharing model stood out against traditional hotels by emphasizing local experiences.

2. Be Willing to Pivot and Hustle

Airbnb’s early days were marked by persistence and adaptability. The initial website, airbedandbreakfast.com, saw little traction. The founders pivoted by expanding beyond air mattresses to entire homes, rebranding to Airbnb in 2009. They hustled by attending conferences, meeting hosts in person, and even selling themed cereal (Obama O’s and Cap’n McCain) to fund the business. These efforts helped them find product-market fit.

Takeaway: Flexibility is critical for startups. Be prepared to iterate your product, business model, or marketing strategy based on user feedback and market dynamics. Persistence through early struggles, combined with creative problem-solving, can lead to breakthroughs.

3. Focus on Trust and Community

Airbnb’s success in a peer-to-peer marketplace relied on building trust between strangers. They implemented features like secure messaging, verified profiles, and public reviews to ensure transparency. The Host Guarantee program, offering up to $1 million in property damage protection, alleviated host concerns. Additionally, Airbnb fostered a sense of community through initiatives like the Community Centre, where hosts share tips and connect locally.

Takeaway: Trust is the cornerstone of platforms involving user interactions. Invest in safety features, transparent policies, and community-building efforts to create a loyal user base. For example, startups can use reviews, insurance, or verification systems to build confidence.

4. Leverage Data to Drive Decisions

Airbnb’s use of data science has been pivotal in scaling its platform. Data is viewed as the “voice of the customer,” guiding product development and marketing. For instance, the Price Tips feature uses machine learning to suggest optimal listing prices, increasing bookings by nearly four times when hosts price within 5% of suggestions. Data also informs search personalization, improving user experience and conversion rates.

Takeaway: Startups should collect and analyze user data to make informed decisions. Invest in analytics tools to track behavior, optimize features, and personalize offerings. Cross-functional teams, where data scientists collaborate with product managers, can enhance the impact of data-driven strategies.

5. Stay Mission-Driven

Airbnb’s mission, “To create a world where anyone can belong anywhere,” has been a guiding force since 2014. Developed through extensive interviews with hosts and guests, it reflects the desire for travelers to feel like insiders. This mission shaped Airbnb’s branding, product expansions (like Experiences), and response to challenges, such as discrimination controversies. It also differentiated Airbnb from transactional competitors like Uber.

Takeaway: A clear, meaningful mission aligns teams and resonates with customers. Define a purpose that reflects your values and use it to guide strategic decisions, especially during crises. Ensure your mission is authentic and consistently communicated across all touchpoints.

6. Do Things That Don’t Scale Initially

In its early days, Airbnb faced growth barriers due to poor listing photos. The founders manually upgraded images to high-resolution, doubling weekly revenue from $200 to $400. They also met hosts in person to understand their needs. These non-scalable efforts provided critical insights that informed scalable solutions, like professional photography services.

Takeaway: Startups should embrace manual, hands-on approaches in the early stages to deeply understand customers. These efforts can reveal pain points and opportunities that automated systems might miss, laying the groundwork for scalable growth.

7. Differentiate Your Product

Airbnb positioned itself as more than accommodation, promoting the tagline “Don’t go there, live there.” By offering unique, local experiences—treehouses, yurts, or homes hosted by locals—Airbnb distinguished itself from hotel chains and booking platforms like Expedia. This focus on authenticity appealed to travelers seeking immersive experiences.

Takeaway: Identify what sets your product apart and emphasize it in your branding and marketing. A unique value proposition can attract customers and create a competitive edge. Test your differentiation through user feedback to ensure it resonates.

8. Expand Offerings Strategically

Airbnb expanded beyond home-sharing with Airbnb Plus (premium, verified listings) and Airbnb Experiences (local activities led by hosts). These offerings catered to diverse customer segments, from luxury travelers to those seeking cultural immersion, while reinforcing the “live like a local” ethos.

Takeaway: As your startup grows, explore complementary products or services that enhance your core offering. Ensure expansions align with your brand and address customer needs, using data to validate demand.

9. Foster a Loyal Community

Airbnb’s Community Centre, with over 729,000 members, fosters host engagement through discussions, tips, and local meetups. Gamification, like points for contributions, encourages participation. For guests, storytelling through blogs and social media builds emotional connections. These efforts drive retention and word-of-mouth growth.

Takeaway: Build a community around your product to enhance loyalty and advocacy. Create platforms for users to connect, share experiences, and feel valued. Community-driven growth can reduce acquisition costs and increase customer lifetime value.

10. Utilize Multiple Marketing Channels

Airbnb’s growth was fueled by a diverse marketing strategy, including:

• Referral Marketing: A program offering $38 for referrers and $76 for new users, leveraging trust and word-of-mouth (Referral Program).

• SEO and Content Marketing: Ranking for 316,900 keywords and creating engaging content like host stories and neighborhood guides.

• Paid Search: 12% of traffic from paid ads, focusing on destination-related terms.

• Email Marketing: Automated emails for browser abandonment and host acquisition.

• Offline Marketing: Campaigns like travel posters and “Until We All Belong” reflect brand values.

Takeaway: Diversify your marketing efforts across digital and offline channels to maximize reach. Tailor strategies to your audience, using data to optimize performance. For example, referral programs can be cost-effective for user acquisition.

Applying Airbnb’s Lessons

Airbnb’s success highlights the importance of solving real problems, adapting to challenges, and building trust and community. While not every startup will become a global giant, these principles are universal. Entrepreneurs should:

• Validate their idea through customer feedback and small-scale experiments.

• Invest in trust-building mechanisms, especially in peer-to-peer models.

• Use data to iterate and personalize, but balance it with human insights.

• Stay true to a mission that inspires both employees and customers.

• Explore creative marketing and community-building to drive growth.

By learning from Airbnb’s journey, startups can navigate the complexities of building a scalable, impactful business. However, context matters—adapt these lessons to your industry, audience, and resources for the best results.

Conclusion

Airbnb’s journey from three mattresses in a tiny San Francisco apartment to a $100+ billion global company is a textbook case of vision, adaptability, and grit. It proved that a small idea can bloom into a worldwide movement when it taps into a real human need – in Airbnb’s case, the need to feel at home even when you’re far away. Along the way, Airbnb not only disrupted hotels but also built a new kind of travel community based on trust and belonging. As co-founder Brian Chesky put it, “A house is just a space, but a home is where you belong.” Today, Airbnb’s legacy is in empowering both hosts and guests to open their doors and hearts – showing that hospitality can come from anyone, anywhere, and truly allow people to belong anywhere.

Fun Facts

• First overnight stay: Three air mattresses hosted two men and a woman (2×3) in 2007, earning the founders $240 rent.

• Original name: The service was called AirBed & Breakfast at launch (shortened to “Airbnb” in 2009 to avoid confusion about air mattresses).

• Cereal startup funding: To raise funds in 2008, Chesky and Gebbia sold 1,000 boxes of “Obama O’s” and “Cap’n McCain’s” cereal at $40 each, raising $30,000.

• Explosive growth: By 2013, Airbnb had hosted 9 million guests since its 2008 founding. By 2025, 2+ billion guest stays have been completed worldwide.

• Global footprint: Today Airbnb has 8+ million active listings (2024) in 220+ countries and regions – more listings than the top five hotel chains combined.

• Community size: Over 5 million hosts have joined the platform (Mar 2025)news.airbnb.com. On Airbnb’s biggest night (August 2021), more than 4 million people stayed in Airbnb homes simultaneously.

• Economic impact: Hosts have collectively earned over $300 billion through Airbnb. The typical U.S. host made about $15,000 in 2024.

• Tech first: In the first year (2009) as an Airbnb offering rooms in NYC, 10,000 users signed up and 2,500 listings were live. By 2012 they introduced mobile Instant Book and by 2014 an entirely redesigned platform with the brand-new Bélo logo.

• IPO success: Airbnb’s Dec 2020 IPO more than doubled its initial stock price on day one, giving the company a valuation around $100 billion. It was one of the year’s largest tech IPOs, showing investor confidence even amid a pandemic.

References

• Airbnb Newsroom. “About Us: Fast Facts” (Mar 2025). Global stats on listings, hosts, guest arrivals and earningsnews.airbnb.comnews.airbnb.com.

• Airbnb Newsroom. “The Airbnb Story” (timeline of milestones, 2007–2023). Founding events, key launches (name change, apps, Experiences, etc.)news.airbnb.comnews.airbnb.com.

• Wikipedia, “Airbnb” (company history). Founders, founding year (2008), early events (cereal fundraiser, Y Combinator)en.wikipedia.orgen.wikipedia.org.

• Knowledge at Wharton. “The Inside Story Behind the Unlikely Rise of Airbnb” (Fortune magazine interview, Apr 2017). Early concept (air mattresses), 3+ million listings in 200+ countriesknowledge.wharton.upenn.edu.

• Chesky, Brian. “Belong Anywhere” (Medium blog post, July 16, 2014). Founders’ vision of home/community and the meaning behind “Belong anywhere”medium.commedium.com.

• Airbnb Newsroom. “Airbnb Launches Global Office of Healthy Tourism” (Apr 17, 2018). Initiative for sustainable tourism and community benefitsnews.airbnb.com.

• Airbnb Newsroom. “The Emerging Markets: Powering Airbnb’s Global Growth” (Feb 25, 2019). Global expansion stats (5M+ listings, 191+ countries) and rising demand in emerging economiesnews.airbnb.com.

• Airbnb Newsroom. “Extenuating Circumstances Policy Activated Around the World” (Mar 14, 2020) & Update (May 1, 2020). Policies for COVID-19 cancellations and refundsnews.airbnb.comnews.airbnb.com.

• Airbnb Newsroom. “An Update About Our Offices Around the World” (Oct 2020). Notes on global footprint (220 countries, 100k+ cities) and remote work stancenews.airbnb.com.

• Airbnb Newsroom. “Setting a New Bar for Belonging With Our Biggest Night Ever” (Aug 2021). Company mission (“belong anywhere”) and record-breaking 4M guest stay milestonenews.airbnb.com.

• NPR. “Airbnb Now A $100 Billion Company After Stock Market Debut” (Dec 10, 2020). Coverage of Airbnb’s IPO surge and valuationnpr.org.

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