By spring 2023, the identity verification system, which includes coverage, is expected to expand globally. It currently operates in Airbnb's 35 main countries and regions, representing 90% of all bookings.
SANTO DOMINGO. Among its year-end updates, Airbnb included expanded coverage with AirCover for hosts, increasing guest damage protection to three million.
"Now this protection is broader than ever, as it includes a guest identity verification process, a review of bookings to identify risks, and enhanced damage protection of $3 million, with coverage for cars, boats, artwork, and other valuables," says the Airbnb statement, published last Wednesday on its official website.
AirCover for hosts includes identity verification for guests, now expanding the identity verification process to everyone traveling to Airbnb's top 35 countries and regions (90% of all bookings). By spring 2023, the identity verification system is expected to expand globally.
Technology for analyzing reservations and identifying risks is being launched in the United States and Canada. It is a pioneering initiative in the sector and is expected to reduce the incidence of unauthorized parties. The technology is projected to be implemented worldwide by spring 2023.
It also covers protection against damages, tripling from one to three million dollars, covering both losses to the accommodation and the items inside.
From now on, coverage extends to cars and boats that are parked or located on the property.
"A wider range of artworks, jewelry, and collectibles will be repaired or replaced based on their appraised value. The process for filing a claim, tracking it, and streamlining its management from application to payment has been simplified.".
New categories
Following the successful launch of Airbnb categories last May, the platform added six new ones.
- New: spaces that were registered on the platform during the last 10 weeks.
- Up high: accommodations built at around 3,000 meters above sea level, often with extraordinary views.
- Adapted: accommodations adapted and verified for wheelchair access, without steps at the entrance, in the rooms and bathrooms.
- Popular: top-rated accommodations whose listings received more views compared to the previous week.
- For kids: accommodations with basketball courts, game rooms, mini-golf, water slides and more.
- Hanok: traditional Korean houses built with natural materials.
Airbnb has also improved how categories are displayed. “For example, when you open the app, the Vineyards category will appear if your most recent search was in Napa County, a well-known wine-producing region in California. In addition, search results will include more details when browsing through different categories. For example, homes with amazing views will specify exactly what you can see, and those near national parks will indicate the distance to the park entrance.”.
