Airbnb is testing an AI-powered search tool with a small percentage of users. CEO Brian Chesky announced the company is building an “AI-native experience” during a fourth-quarter earnings call. The initiative aims to help guests book trips, assist hosts with listings, and improve company efficiency.
The new search tool allows guests to describe what they are looking for in natural language and ask questions about listings and locations. According to a shareholder letter, Airbnb is conducting early testing to provide a more intuitive search experience that extends through the entire trip. The company did not provide a specific public release date for the tool.
Airbnb introduced an AI customer service chatbot last year. The chatbot is currently available only in North America. It already handles one-third of customer requests without human intervention. Chesky stated the chatbot will handle “significantly more” tickets within a year and expand globally.
