Airbnb tests natural language AI search tool for trip bookings
Airbnb is testing a new AI-powered search tool with a limited group of users, according to CEO Brian Chesky. Announced during the company’s fourth-quarter earnings call, the initiative is part of a broader strategy to build an “AI-native experience” aimed at helping guests book trips, assisting hosts with listings, and improving overall company efficiency. The testing phase involves a small percentage of the platform’s user base.
The AI search tool is designed to facilitate a more conversational booking process. As detailed in a shareholder letter posted on the company’s website, the tool allows guests to describe their accommodation needs using natural language rather than relying solely on traditional filters. Users can also ask direct questions about specific listings and their surrounding locations. The letter states that Airbnb intends for this technology to evolve into a “more comprehensive and intuitive search experience that extends through the trip.” However, the company has not provided a specific public launch date for this feature.
This development follows the company’s introduction of an AI customer service chatbot last year. That chatbot is currently available only to users in North America but has already handled one-third of customer requests without human intervention. During the earnings call, Chesky projected that the chatbot would handle “significantly more” tickets within the next year and confirmed plans for a global expansion.