EFE, NEW YORK
Airbnb announced yesterday that it had accumulated profits of $819 million between January and June, a 7% year-on-year increase, and highlighted the strong growth in Latin America, its second fastest-growing market.
Airbnb, which published its results at the close of trading on Wall Street, made no reference in its statement to the controversy generated by its business in some areas of high tourist interest, due to its effect on housing prices and the rejection of tourists among the local population.
In the most recent quarter, from April to June, the US firm reduced its profits by 15% year-on-year, to $555 million, as its revenue increased by 11%, to $2,748 million, but its costs also rose by 15%, to $2,251 million.
Airbnb highlighted its "profitability" and said that in this period it had 125.1 million bookings for "nights and experiences", a 9% increase that reflects "stable growth" that it attributes to all regions "with Asia Pacific and Latin America again leading the way".
The company, which has previously identified these two markets as drivers, explained that bookings in Asia Pacific grew 19% year-on-year, followed by those in Latin America at 17%, and both are responsible for the growth in total active accommodation offers.
Looking ahead to the third quarter, Airbnb anticipated a "moderation" in booking growth that does not seem to be exempt from its most buoyant markets, as it observes a trend towards shorter stays and "signs of a slowdown in demand from US visitors.".
The company noted that tourists are relying on its platform for "special events," from the July 4th weekend in the US to the current Paris Olympics, where it has recorded more than 400,000 customers and double the bookings compared to this time last year.
Airbnb shares fell 13% in electronic trading, reflecting an initial negative reaction from investors to the figures. Over the past quarter, the company's market capitalization has dropped 18%, reaching approximately $80.7 billion.
