Airbnb is a unique platform that allows people to rent out their homes or apartments to travelers from all over the world. Airbnb has become one of the most popular travel websites in recent years, and it is clear that the company has a very loyal customer base.
While the Airbnb target market started with people who were young and adventurous, over time the company has managed to appeal to a much wider range of travelers including families with children looking for an alternative to hotels.
In this article, we’ll review the Airbnb target market and understand what attracts them to this unique way to book their accommodation.
Who is the Airbnb Target Market?
To best understand the Airbnb target market we need to understand why someone would choose to stay at an Airbnb rather than other equally interesting alternatives like bed-and-breakfasts or hotels.
AirBnbs can range from simple rooms in a house to apartments and even full luxury houses. So why don’t people opt for equivalent hotels – budget hotels at one end of the spectrum and luxury hotels at the other?
By answering these questions we can divide the Airbnb target market into the following customer segments:
- Backpackers or individual travelers looking for an inexpensive place to stay
- Families traveling with children who need extra space
- Business travelers looking for an alternative to expensive hotels
- Couples looking for a romantic getaway
- Adventurous travelers who are looking for a unique experience
- People visiting an area with a scarcity of decent hotels
- People looking for a more personal experience than they would get in a hotel
Let’s look closely at each of these Airbnb market segments.
#1. Backpackers or individual travelers looking for an inexpensive place to stay
Airbnb is often the most affordable option for backpackers, who are typically on a tight budget. And while there are hostels that provide cheap accommodations, many travelers prefer the privacy and comfort of their own room.
What’s more, Airbnb offers a wide variety of rooms to choose from, so backpackers can find the perfect place to stay, whether they’re looking for a private room, an entire apartment, or even a treehouse.
Airbnb started out as a way for people to rent out their extra space to travelers, and many hosts are still individuals who are renting out a room in their house. This can be a great option for backpackers who are looking for an authentic experience and want to meet new people making them still a key Airbnb target market.
#2. Families traveling with children who need extra space
Over time Airbnb has expanded to include entire apartments and houses complete with swimming pools, jacuzzis and gardens – perfect for families who need more space than a hotel room can offer.
Hotels can be expensive, and they often charge extra for things like rollaway beds and cribs. And while some hotels do have suites, they can be cost-prohibitive for families.
With Airbnbs where they rent entire homes, families also appreciate the kitchen facilities that allow them to prepare meals, which can save a lot of money.
Plus, many Airbnb hosts go out of their way to make families feel welcome, providing things like toys and games for the kids.
Airbnb is also a great option for families traveling with young children who need their own space to sleep, as well as families with teenagers who appreciate having their own bedroom.
And for families who are looking for a truly unique experience, there are even Airbnbs that come with horses or are located in treehouses.
So whether they are looking for a spacious home or a unique experience, families are a perfect Airbnb target market.
#3. Business travelers looking for an alternative to expensive hotels
Many businesses have started using Airbnb for business travel, as it can be a more cost-effective option than booking a hotel room.
Plus, with Airbnbs, business travelers can often find a place that has the amenities they need, such as a desk and Wi-Fi, as well as a kitchen so they can prepare their own meals.
Airbnb is also a great option for businesses that need to book accommodations for multiple employees, as they can often find an entire apartment or house on Airbnb.
And with the recent addition of Airbnb for Work, businesses can now take advantage of even more features, such as the ability to book meeting spaces and business amenities.
#4. Couples looking for a romantic getaway
Couples looking for a romantic getaway will appreciate the variety of Airbnb options that are available. From secluded cabins to apartments in major cities, there is an Airbnb for every type of couple.
Unlike a hotel, where you might be stuck in a standard room with two queen beds, Airbnb offers couples the opportunity to find a place that suits their specific needs. For example, couples can find an Airbnb with a private pool, a Jacuzzi, or even their own private island.
And with the recent addition of Airbnb Plus, couples can now choose from a selection of only the highest-rated Airbnbs, ensuring a top-notch experience. So whether they’re looking for a secluded cabin in the woods or a luxurious apartment in the city, couples are a key segment of the Airbnb target market.
#5. Adventurous travelers who are looking for a unique experience
With the growth of adventure tourism, there has been an increase in the number of people looking for unique travel experiences. And Airbnb has become a go-to option for many of these travelers.
From yurts and treehouses to boats and RVs, there is an Airbnb for every type of adventurer. And with the recent addition of Airbnb Adventures, travelers can now choose from a variety of different adventure experiences, such as trekking through the Amazon or sleeping under the stars in the Sahara Desert.
So whether someone’s looking for a unique place to stay or an adventure of a lifetime, Airbnb is a great option for adventurers.
#6. People visiting an area with a scarcity of decent hotels
Sometimes people find themselves in a situation where there are few decent hotel options. This might be due to the location (such as a small town or remote area) or the time of year (such as during a major event).
In these situations, Airbnb can be a lifesaver. Not only does it provide a place to stay, but it can also be a more cost-effective option than booking a hotel room.
So anyone in a small town with few hotel options and those looking to save money is an Airbnb target market.
#7. People looking for a more personal experience than they would get in a hotel
One of the main advantages of an Airbnb or a bed-and-breakfast or, for that matter, even a small, boutique hotel is that it can offer a more personal experience than a large hotel.
For example, people who stay in an Airbnb often have the opportunity to meet their hosts and learn about the local area from them. There have been cases where the hosts have invited their guests to join them for dinner or a drink, which is something that would never happen in a hotel.
In other cases, the hosts have chalked out customized itineraries for their guests, based on their interests. This is something that would be very difficult to do in a large hotel.
It’s this personal touch that makes an Airbnb or a bed-and-breakfast such a great option for people looking for a more personal experience.
Conclusion
While Airbnb started off catering to the young and adventurous it still attracts backpackers or individual travelers looking for an inexpensive place to stay.
However, over time the Airbnb target market has grown to include families traveling with children who need extra space, business travelers looking for an alternative to expensive hotels, and couples looking for a romantic getaway.
Adventurous travelers who are looking for a unique experience are still drawn to Airbnb, especially with the launch of new services like Airbnb Adventures.
Likewise, people visiting an area with a scarcity of decent hotels or people looking for a more personal experience are also finding what they’re looking for on Airbnb.