Airbnb tipped to worth more than Marriott and Starwood

Airbnb tipped to worth more than Marriott and Starwood

California-based Airbnb has arranged to raise US$1.5 billion (A$1.94 billion) skyrocketing its value to US$25.5 billion, a source close to the deal told AFP.

A group of American and Chinese investment funds were involved in the discussions, which are aimed at expanding Airbnb’s offerings in Asia, according to the source, AFP reports.

The funds are General Atlantic, Tiger Global Management, Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers, GGV Capital, Horizon Ventures and from China Hillhouse Capital Group and China Broadband.

The deal could be announced as soon as next week, the same source added.

It would be among the biggest corporate capital infusions by a tech firm, among the likes of VTC Uber ($2.8 billion), China’s online giant Alibaba ($1.6 billion) and Facebook ($1.5 billion) before it went public.

At US$25.5 billion, Airbnb, which does not own a single hotel, would be worth more than hotel giants Marriott (US$20.90 billion), Starwood (US$14 billion) and Wyndham (US$10.01 billion). Hilton Worldwide just piques the online venture, valued at US$27.7 billion.

Launched in San Francisco in 2008, the home rental company has boomed to a community of more than 35 million travellers in more than 34,000 cities. Airbnb continues to clash with local authorities in cities such as New York and Paris.

Since it is not publicly traded, Airbnb does not have to publish its figures. But its sales have surged from US$250 million to US$850 million in just two years.

It takes 3% of the transaction from the property owner, and 6-12% of the transaction from the traveller.

Latest News

  • Aviation

Virgin Australia says suspended flights to Bali result of Boeing MAX delays

Virgin Australia has blamed the delayed delivery of ten Boeing MAX planes for the cancellation of its direct flights between Adelaide and Bali. The route is expected to relaunch on 9 June with the arrival Virgin’s latest batch of Boeing aircraft. Adelaide travellers can still make their way to Bali, although the trip will now […]

  • Aviation
  • Luxury

Airline Review: Singapore Airlines Business Class – A380-800

Join me on my personal review of the iconic Singapore Airlines’ A380-800 business class cabin. Singapore Airlines is renowned for its luxurious and spacious seating in any class, it’s sleek and fine interior reflects a sophisticated yet relaxed charm, promising instant luxury the minute you board. The configuration in business class is 1, 2, 1 […]

  • Aviation

South African Airways to relaunch Joburg – Perth flights as economic ties strengthen

South African Airways will fly across the Indian Ocean for the first time since the pandemic today when the first of its relaunched Johannesburg to Perth flights touches down today. The South African Airways flights will connect 40,000 more passengers per year in each direction, between Perth and Johannesburg using Airbus A340-300s. Flight Centre Corporate […]

  • Partner Content

My journey: Before becoming a travel agent I was… a palliative care nurse 

Australind Travel & Cruise, Travellers Choice member Saibra Twigg reveals her life as paediatric nurse then to palliative care before a career leap to travel agent. How did you become a palliative care nurse?  ST I went straight from school in nursing and initially specialised in paediatrics, working at Perth’s Princess Margaret Hospital for Children. […]

Partner Content

by Travel Weekly

Travel Weekly
  • Aviation

Emirates unveils future plans with new hub at Al Maktoum International Airport

Emirates has unveiled a glimpse of its future with the news of a new base at  Al Maktoum International Airport in Dubai overnight. Also referred to as the Dubai World Central, the airport is undergoing an AUD $53.3b refurbishment. Once complete, it will become the city’s main international hub with five parallel runways and 400 […]

  • Destinations
  • News

APT Launches 2025 Asia Adventures

APT has launched its Asia Adventures for 2025, including new luxury holidays in India, Sri Lanka and Japan. Five new tours lead guests to the highlights of India, including a seven-night cruise along the rarely travelled Lower Ganges aboard the Ganges Voyager. Further south, Sri Lanka’s greatest destinations are revealed on a new 15-day Land […]

  • Cruise
  • Luxury
  • News

Seabourn announces Western Kimberley Traditional Owners as Godparents of Seabourn Pursuit

Seabourn has named Western Kimberley Traditional Owners, the Wunambal Gaambera, as Godparents of the ultra-luxury purpose-built Seabourn Pursuit. It is the first cruise line to appoint Traditional Owners as godparents of a ship. Seabourn Pursuit embarks on its inaugural season in the Kimberley region this June. The naming ceremony will take place on Seabourn Pursuit’s […]