Decision-makers: Emmanuel Marill, Director of Airbnb France

Why do business travellers use Airbnb?

Emmanuel Marill - Firstly, bleisure, with business travellers extending their stay to explore cities. Over 30 % of Airbnb for Work bookings over the past year included at least one weekend night. On the other hand, teams often travel together to create links and facilitate collaboration. For example, nearly 60 % of business trips on Airbnb included more than one traveller in 2018, and often three or more. In addition, during conferences and large events, employees are turning to options such as Airbnb as an alternative to hotels, as their prices are inflated on this occasion. We are also seeing a threefold increase in the number of 14-day stays and more, whether on long business trips, training sessions lasting several weeks or projects stretching over several months or even a year. Finally, thanks to new technologies, 'digital nomads' can work while they travel and get inspired by new places. This type of extended stay is becoming increasingly popular.

We want to reinvent travel by developing a 360° platform able to offer accommodation, activity and transport solutions.

How is Airbnb for Work evolving to meet the expectations of companies and their employees?

E. M. - Business travellers can search directly for accommodation that has WiFi, 24-hour check-in, a separate workspace, etc. In 2015, Airbnb also created tools for travel managers, integrated into the platform as part of the the Airbnb for Work offer. Companies of all sizes can now meet their employees' expectations by allowing them to book directly on Airbnb, with the expense claim automatically processed. Airbnb for Work includes a suite of tools that provide visibility over expenses, as well as the location of employees.

Is Airbnb's integration into the business travel ecosystem changing?

E. M. - In France, Airbnb for Work continues to grow, with more than 35,000 companies with employees using the service. Airbnb has also teamed up with players such as Carlson Wagonlit, BCD Travel, American Express Global Business Travel and, recently, Concur. However, the development does not stop there. Only 25 % of employees travel for work. That's why we've expanded our offer to include three new categories Experiences for team building, accommodation for seminars and meetings and new solutions for professional transfers.

More specifically, why are you interested in career mobility?

E. M. - The business environment is changing, becoming global. So a mobility project is always a stressful time, with the difficulties of cultural adjustment being the main reason. We know that most people prefer to try out different areas before settling down, and to be close to their children's schools as soon as they arrive. There's a real need to feel at home quickly when you change your surroundings. We are developing our offer to help professionals feel instantly at home. Finding temporary accommodation with the comforts of a real home provides a sense of familiarity that can help people approach a move more serenely.

Acquisition of the Hotel Tonight booking site, investment in the Indian group Oyo. Why this diversification into 'classic' hotels?

E. M. - Airbnb's ambition is to create a world where everyone feels at home everywhere. We want to reinvent travel by developing a 360° platform to offer accommodation, activities and transport all in one place. To achieve this goal, we are continuing to invest and create new services, which will contribute to the company's long-term growth.

The recruitment of Fred Reid, ex-CEO of Virgin America, shows that your footprint could extend to transport.

E. M. - There was a time when there was something magical about boarding a plane. Over the years, reaching a destination has become an experience that is often undergone. It's time for that to change. We are about to explore a wide range of ideas and partnerships. It's not about developing our own airline, or creating a new online ticket booking platform. But there are plenty of opportunities for us to improve the transport experience for everyone. It remains to be seen what form all this will take.