Did Airbnb just become agent friendly?

Airbnb wants to be friends with agents, not foe; and their latest partnership proves it.

According to a press release from the $31 billion company, Airbnb has now partnered with an Australian-founded hotel distribution platform that will see the home-sharing service offer hotel rooms as well as private accommodation.

The deal with Sydney-based SiteMinder, a “cloud-based” platform used by more than 28,000 hotels globally, will allow Airbnb to access, and list, hotels’ inventory.

This will give Airbnb access to hotel rooms and their availability in real-time, as well as rates and content.

As per the release, “Traditional hospitality businesses that use SiteMinder and meet Airbnb’s hospitality standards can quickly and seamlessly list rooms on the platform.

“The new technology developed jointly by the two companies will now make it possible for hotels to connect booking information to their existing management system in real-time,” it added.

So what exactly prompted the partnership?

According to Airbnb Program Manager for Hotels Cameron Houser, it’s all about giving a helping hand to local businesses.

“Small hotels and B&Bs have long used Airbnb and now we’re building new tools and partnerships to help these local businesses thrive,” he said.

“We are dedicated to working with small hospitality businesses that excel at offering the best guest experiences and living our mission of belonging and we couldn’t ask for a better partner than SiteMinder.”

“SiteMinder is the industry leader and we look forward to continuing to work together to support boutique hotels and bed and breakfasts around the world.”

SiteMinder’s clients include boutique hotels, hotel ownership groups, and many other hospitality providers globally.

Guests can expect the locally-influenced and unique accommodations they expect when booking an Airbnb listing.

SiteMinder Founder and Managing Director Mike Ford said the partnership offers hotel owners convenience in an “increasingly complex world”.

“In an increasingly complex and competitive world, SiteMinder’s partnership with Airbnb offers a new opportunity for boutique hotels and bed and breakfasts to engage the growing number of travellers who seek exceptional hospitality and an authentic local experience.

“We are delighted to provide an innovative technology solution that now makes it easy for these small accommodation providers to reach the millions of customers who use Airbnb everyday, and get time back to provide memorable experiences for guests.”

At a local level, Airbnb was recently scrutinised by Victorian small hotel owners, as the sharing platform had forced a YHA hotel in Foster to shutter.

A short-term accommodation provider in regional Victoria run by Mohya Davies which has had to shut up shop thanks to a lack of clientele.

The YHA backpackers hostel and apartments which had been running for 15 years, has now closed indefinitely as Davies and her husband were unable to cope with the rise in holiday renting in the area.

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Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au

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