- Airbnb acquired AI firm GamePlanner.
- It plans an “ultimate concierge” service via AI for custom guidance.
- Effectiveness depends on overcoming limitations while ensuring guest trust.
Airbnb recently acquired AI startup GamePlanner for around $200 million, revealing plans to leverage artificial intelligence to transform the guest experience.
In the company’s latest earnings call, CEO Brian Chesky outlined a vision for AI that provides highly personalized and adaptive recommendations, which he compared to an “ultimate concierge.”
No plans to build their own AI infrastructure
While Airbnb does not plan to build its own AI infrastructure, it believes it can innovate at the application layer to unlock the full potential of existing models. This could involve utilizing generative AI from leading providers to power a next-generation interface.
According to Chesky, most apps today feature decades-old interfaces that underutilize the latest AI advancements.
A concierge-like experience to guests
By integrating the GamePlanner team and developing new AI products and services, Airbnb aims to provide guests with customized guidance and real-time recommendations that evolve with their needs. This concierge-like experience would allow the company to expand across verticals.
However, the accuracy limitations of current systems raise questions about achieving such ambitions.
More exciting features coming
Though bullish on the promise of AI, Chesky did not disclose specifics on planned capabilities or timing, noting announcements would come later this year.
As Airbnb works to realize its vision of an AI-powered “ultimate concierge” for travelers, effectiveness will hinge on overcoming existing technological constraints while maintaining guest trust.
