US: Airbnb is reportedly close to launching a service that will match guests with quality-inspected home and apartment rentals.
The product is intended to attract higher-paying travellers who have yet to use Airbnb because they prefer the amenities provided by hotels and serviced apartments.
The service, expected to launch as a pilot with a select group of hosts as soon as this week, will send Airbnb inspectors into hosts’ homes to ensure they meet a checklist of quality standards designated by the company, according to a report on Bloomberg.com.
If the criteria are met, the homes will be listed on a dedicated premium section of Airbnb’s website and mobile app.
The move marks the first time premium Airbnb listings will be packaged into a distinct product with official inspections and incentives for participants. The service is reportedly internally referred to as “Select” but an official name has not yet been decided.</p
