Airbnb built an accommodation juggernaut by turning homeowners into temporary innkeepers. Now, as it plots its next phase of growth, the company is seeking new ways to wedge Airbnb more tightly into the lives of its amateur hosts. That’s what is driving its so-called “Magical Trips” program likely to be rolled out in November, under which hosts will make more money by recommending restaurants or giving tours around neighborhoods for their visitors and even for locals, according to people briefed on plans. Longer term, Airbnb is mulling ways to get home-builders to plan houses and condos with extra rooms for short-term stays, people with knowledge of the plans say. |