Airbnb announces partnership with leading European hospitality brand

Posted in Business, News on 4 January, 2017

Home lettings platform Airbnb has announced it is to partner with Châteaux & Hôtels Collection.

The hotel and restaurant group, which has properties across France and Europe and is presided over by iconic chef Alain Ducasse, will list bedrooms and four new gourmet experiences on the Airbnb website.

It is said to be the first time that Airbnb has teamed up with a leading European hospitality brand.

It’s not known if similar announcements will follow in the UK, although a spokesperson for Airbnb told Hotel Owner: “We do not have any additional announcements to share. We are deeply committed to creating a world where anyone can belong anywhere, and we only partner with organisations that help achieve that mission.”

The four gourmet experiences will include visiting local food markets with the Paris-based head chef of restaurant Citrus Etoile; chocolate-making with a french chocolatier using Ducasse’s signature styles; learning mixology with a leading bartender and cocktails creator; and a look behind the scenes of Ducasse’s cooking school.

The offer will be part of Airbnb’s new platform ‘Trips’, which aims to offer unique activities to guests close to where they are staying.

Emmanuel Marill, general manager of Airbnb in France, said: “Last month [November], we unveiled the most significant development in our eight-year history as Airbnb moved beyond accommodation with the launch of Trips.

“Today, we’re thrilled to partner with one of the most iconic groups in travel. We share the same commitment to provide unique, local experiences from people and communities with fascinating talents and skills.”