Airbnb looks to be encroaching on what the hotel industry perceived was its safe core sector - business travellers. High profile partnerships with American Express Global Business Travel (AmEx GBT), BCD Travel, and Carlson Wagonlit Travel are expected to funnel customers towards Airbnb, which has been added to AmEx GBT's preferred supplier list. AmEx GBT reported sales of $30bn in 2015 and its clients include Microsoft, McKinsey, and IBM. Airbnb for Business isn’t that big yet. Similarly, Carlson Wagonlit reported sales of $24.2bn in 2015, 92% of which came from corporate bookings; and BCD posted $23.8bn. The new partnership will see both companies work together to provide a platform for travellers who want to rent out their homes or apartments while they travel.
Airbnb looks to be encroaching on what the hotel industry perceived was its safe core sector - business travellers. High profile partnerships with American Express Global Business Travel (AmEx GBT), BCD Travel, and Carlson Wagonlit Travel are expected to funnel customers towards Airbnb, which has been added to AmEx GBT's preferred supplier list. AmEx GBT reported sales of $30bn in 2015 and its clients include Microsoft, McKinsey, and IBM. Similarly, Carlson Wagonlit reported sales of $24.2bn in 2015, 92% of which came from corporate bookings; and BCD posted $23.8bn. The new partnership will see both companies work together to provide a platform for travellers who want to rent out their homes or apartments while they travel.