Dubaiuncovered

Airbnb Addresses User Concerns of Fake Listings and High Cleaning Fees in Company Survey

In response to feedback from its users, Airbnb is taking steps to address issues such as fake listings and high cleaning fees. The San Francisco-based company recently conducted a survey, which revealed that users were particularly concerned about these two problems, as well as a desire for lower prices.

To combat these issues, Airbnb has made changes to its platform. Since introducing a feature that allows users to sort listings by all-in pricing, over 260,000 listings have lowered or removed their cleaning fees this year. The company believes that this change discourages hosts from promoting low prices and then adding on extra fees. However, only about one-third of Airbnb renters are currently using this feature.

In an interview, Airbnb CEO Brian Chesky acknowledged the concerns raised by users, stating, “We got a lot of feedback that Airbnb is not as affordable as it used to be.” Chesky expressed his belief that the pricing changes are already having an impact, but also mentioned that additional measures are being implemented.

One such measure is the introduction of “seasonal dynamic pricing,” a technology that will help hosts adjust prices more frequently, similar to airlines and hotels. This will encourage hosts to lower prices during the off-season, while also allowing them to increase prices during peak times.

In addition to addressing pricing concerns, Airbnb also plans to combat fake listings, which not only result in refunds and rebooking costs, but also pose a risk to the company’s reputation. To tackle this problem, Airbnb will begin verifying all listings in its top five markets, which include the United States and the United Kingdom. The company will use AI technology to verify listings, requiring hosts to enter the property and open the Airbnb app. GPS will confirm the correct address, and AI will compare live photos with those used in the listing.

Starting in February, properties in the U.S., U.K., Canada, France, and Australia that pass the verification test will receive a “verified” icon on their listings. Airbnb plans to expand this verification process to 30 more countries next year.

By addressing user concerns and implementing measures to improve transparency and affordability, Airbnb aims to maintain its reputation as a trusted platform for booking accommodations. These changes not only benefit users by offering a more reliable and affordable experience, but also protect Airbnb’s brand image in the highly competitive hospitality industry.