The proliferation of travel apps like Airbnb has revolutionized the way people purchase tickets, book accommodations, and compare prices, all within the convenience of their smartphones. This has contributed significantly to the surging popularity of the online travel industry.
According to Globe News Wire, the global online travel market is predicted to reach an impressive size of USD 1,835.6 billion by 2030, with a remarkable CAGR of 14.8%.
Amidst ongoing discussions surrounding market saturation in the vacation rental niche, it’s worth noting that even industry giant Airbnb currently holds a modest 10-15% share of the vacation rental market. This leaves a significant 40-50% portion of the market open for other businesses to explore and potentially develop their own Airbnb like app.
As a result, there is ample room for another unicorn startup to impact the travel industry significantly.
For those eager to leave their mark in this dynamic arena, the present moment presents an exceptional opportunity to enter the travel market with a high-performing app designed to delight and satisfy customers.
Consequently, this sector presents a promising investment opportunity for business owners looking to establish their presence in the travel industry. If you are considering developing travel apps, read on as we uncover various aspects of travel app development in this guide.
Therefore, exploring the workings of Airbnb can offer valuable insights. Thus, this blog commences by delving into the intricacies of Airbnb and how it operates. Let’s embark on this enlightening journey.
What Does Airbnb Do?
Airbnb is an innovative online platform that facilitates peer-to-peer lodging and travel experiences. Established in 2008, Airbnb allows individuals (hosts) to rent out their properties, whether it be an entire home, a private room, or a shared space, to guests seeking short-term accommodations.
The platform operates in various cities and countries worldwide, providing travelers with unique and authentic lodging options beyond traditional hotels.
The core concept of Airbnb revolves around the idea of creating a sense of belonging for travelers by offering them the opportunity to stay in local neighborhoods, experiencing the destination from a more immersive perspective.
Hosts can list their properties on the platform, providing detailed descriptions, photos, and availability, while guests can browse and book accommodations that suit their preferences and budget.
One of the key features of Airbnb is the review system, which fosters transparency and trust between hosts and guests. After their stay, hosts and guests can leave reviews and ratings for each other, helping future users make informed decisions based on previous experiences.
Airbnb is an innovative online platform that facilitates peer-to-peer lodging and travel experiences. Established in 2008, Airbnb allows individuals (hosts) to rent out their properties, whether it be an entire home, a private room, or a shared space, to guests seeking short-term accommodations.
The platform operates in various cities and countries worldwide, providing travelers unique and authentic lodging options beyond traditional hotels.
The core concept of Airbnb revolves around the idea of creating a sense of belonging for travelers by offering them the opportunity to stay in local neighborhoods, experiencing the destination from a more immersive perspective.
Hosts can list their properties on the platform, providing detailed descriptions, photos, and availability, while guests can browse and book accommodations that suit their preferences and budget.
All in all, Airbnb has redefined the travel industry by offering a platform connecting hosts with travelers, enabling them to discover distinctive and personalized travel experiences worldwide.
The convenience offered by Airbnb has greatly increased the popularity and demands of travel mobile apps. Building a mobile app like Airbnb can give you endless perks and considerable brand visibility for your venture.
How does Airbnb make money?
Airbnb employs several revenue-generating strategies to make money. Here are the key ways in which Airbnb generates its revenue:
- Host Service Fees: When hosts list their properties on Airbnb and successfully book guests, the platform charges a percentage-based service fee on each booking. The service fee is typically deducted from the host’s earnings before payout.
- Guest Service Fees: Guests who make reservations through Airbnb are charged a service fee, which is added to the total booking cost. This fee covers the costs of using the Airbnb platform and services.
- Experience Fees: Besides accommodations, Airbnb offers various local experiences and activities individuals host. For each experience booked by a guest, Airbnb charges a service fee, and the host receives the remaining amount.
- Airbnb Plus and Luxe: Airbnb offers premium accommodation options under the “Plus” and “Luxe” categories. Hosts meeting certain quality and design criteria can list their properties in these exclusive categories. Airbnb charges higher service fees for these premium listings.
- Host-Upgraded Listings: Airbnb provides hosts with the option to enhance the visibility of their listings by promoting them through various advertising features. Hosts who choose these paid advertising options incur additional fees.
- Business Travel: Airbnb has a dedicated program called Airbnb for Work that targets business travelers. Corporate clients using the platform for business trips generate additional revenue for Airbnb.
- Property Management Software: Airbnb offers property management software and tools for hosts who manage multiple listings. These services come with subscription fees, providing an additional revenue stream for the company.
- Referral Programs: Airbnb has referral programs where existing users can refer new users to the platform. The referrer and the referred party may receive incentives like travel credits, which can increase user acquisition and engagement.
Overall, Airbnb’s business model relies on commission-based fees from hosts and guests and supplementary revenue streams from premium offerings, advertising, and additional services. These revenue streams have contributed to Airbnb’s success as a leading global travel and lodging industry player.
Top 7 Airbnb Like Apps In 2023
1. HomeToGo
HomeToGo operates as a holiday aggregator, much like Airbnb. It brings together an extensive collection of 17 million vacation properties, offering travelers diverse options in central locations across Western and Eastern Europe.
One of the distinguishing features of HomeToGo that makes it one of the best travel apps similar to Airbnb is its commitment to excellent customer service. To ensure a seamless experience for guests and hosts, the travel mobile app provides interesting features, including support in eight languages, catering to a wide international audience. Whether travelers prefer English, Russian, Polish, Italian, Spanish, French, Dutch, or German, HomeToGo strives to accommodate their needs.
The app’s popularity is evident by its impressive track record of more than 500,000 total downloads. It’s no surprise, given the wealth of features it offers to enhance the user experience. Some of these features include profile verification, allowing users to establish trust and credibility. The search results and compare price options empower travelers to make informed decisions based on their preferences and budgets.
HomeToGo provides filtering options for personalized vacation planning, enabling users to narrow their choices according to specific criteria. The ability to save favorite properties ensures users can easily access and review their preferred listings.
Users can seamlessly proceed with booking requests through the app when they find their ideal accommodation. In summary, HomeToGo is a comprehensive platform that simplifies the vacation rental process, facilitating users’ enjoyable and stress-free travel experiences.
2. FlipKey
FlipKey, a renowned marketplace for holiday home rentals, boasts an extensive selection of over 300,000 vacation rentals offered by RV owners from around the globe. The platform offers a range of compelling features that enhance the overall user experience.
Firstly, the “Check-in & Check-out” feature streamlines the rental process, making it convenient for guests and hosts to manage the arrival and departure process seamlessly.
Secondly, the platform’s “Property profile & data storage” capability ensures that property details are stored securely, allowing users to access relevant information about their chosen vacation rentals anytime.
Thirdly, the “Search & Filter” function empowers travelers to refine their search based on specific preferences, enabling them to find the perfect holiday home that meets their requirements.
FlipKey also offers a “Free-to-list” option for property owners, allowing them to list their rentals without any upfront charges, creating a win-win situation for both hosts and guests. Furthermore, the platform’s “Payment gateway” feature ensures secure and hassle-free transactions, instilling confidence in users when making their reservations and making it one of the best Airbnb similar apps.
The convenience of “Instant booking services” is another noteworthy aspect of FlipKey. This feature allows guests to secure their bookings promptly without needing prior approval, simplifying the reservation process.
Lastly, the platform considers the importance of user profiles, providing a dedicated “User profile information” section to personalize the experience and foster a sense of community.
One of FlipKey’s innovative concepts is its “pay-per-booking” pricing platform for guests. This unique approach means that users are only required to pay once they have successfully made a reservation, allowing them to explore their options and make decisions without any financial commitment until they are ready.
FlipKey is one the best Airbnb like apps that stands as a leading player in the holiday home rental market, offering an array of features that cater to the needs of both guests and property owners. The pay-per-booking pricing platform provides users with an extra layer of convenience, making it an attractive option for vacation seekers worldwide.
3. OneFineStay
This distinguished hospitality company prides itself on providing unparalleled stays that epitomize luxury and excellence. Its unique selling proposition (USP) caters to discerning guests who prioritize exceptional quality homes and experiences during their travels to various destinations.
With a portfolio of over 5000 distinctive homes, chalets, and villas, this company offers travelers a diverse selection of lavish accommodations that meet their highest standards. Whether it’s an opulent city penthouse, a secluded mountain chalet, or an elegant beachfront villa, guests can choose from an array of exquisite options that suit their preferences and desires.
The allure of this hospitality brand extends to its presence in 50 sought-after destinations worldwide and is one of the best Airbnb alternatives. From vibrant urban centers to serene natural havens, this company ensures guests have access to extraordinary experiences in some of the most captivating locations globally.
What sets this hospitality company apart is its unwavering commitment to curating stays that redefine luxury, privacy, and personalized service. Each property within its collection is carefully selected to provide guests with an exceptional and unforgettable experience, combining opulent amenities with a sense of homely comfort.
Furthermore, the company’s dedication to impeccable service ensures that guests’ needs and preferences are catered to with meticulous attention to detail. From the moment of reservation to the conclusion of their stay, every aspect is carefully crafted to exceed expectations and create cherished memories.
Travelers who seek the ultimate in indulgence and exclusivity can find solace in this hospitality company’s refined selection of properties. Whether for a romantic getaway, a family retreat, or a corporate gathering, guests are presented with an unparalleled opportunity to immerse themselves in the finest stays imaginable.
4. Vrbo
It is one the most similar apps to Airbnb that allow users to explore and discover accommodations across an extensive collection of approximately 2 million exclusive locations spanning 191 countries, encompassing 65,000 cities for both hosts and guests. The app’s widespread popularity is evident by its remarkable achievement of over 1,000,000 total downloads.
Many exceptional features designed to enhance the user experience are at the heart of this app. The “search filter” empowers travelers to refine their searches based on specific preferences, ensuring they find accommodations that perfectly align with their needs and desires. The “browse & search capabilities” further simplify the process of discovering suitable options, allowing users to navigate through the vast selection of accommodations available seamlessly.
With a focus on personalization, the “user profile information” feature enables users to create profiles that reflect their preferences and requirements, providing a more tailored and enjoyable experience. Introducing a “virtual assistant” within the app streamlines the travel planning process, offering helpful guidance and support to users as they explore their options and make informed decisions.
When it comes to making an informed choice, “photos & reviews” play a vital role. This app ensures that users can access visual representations and authentic feedback from previous guests, fostering trust and confidence in their chosen accommodations.
Detailed “property descriptions” offer comprehensive insights into each listing, enabling users to fully comprehend the offerings and amenities of the accommodations they are interested in. The “book & pay” functionality facilitates a seamless reservation process, allowing guests to confirm their stays conveniently.
Dedicated to ensuring round-the-clock assistance, the app provides “24-hour service,” ensuring users can seek support and guidance whenever needed. The convenience of “in-app payment modes” allows users to make secure and hassle-free transactions within the app, simplifying the booking and payment process.
Lastly, the option to “share tips with friends” encourages users to share their memorable experiences and recommendations with their social circle, fostering a sense of community and word-of-mouth promotion.
5. TripAdvisor Rentals
Established in the year 2000, TripAdvisor is a prominent online travel company & Airbnb like apps that enables users to conveniently make hotel reservations and book transportation, travel experiences, and a wide range of travel-related services.
Recognizing the evolving preferences of travelers, particularly the growing popularity of holiday homes and the declining demand for traditional hotels, TripAdvisor made a strategic move to address this shift in the market. To meet the demands of travelers seeking unique accommodations and immersive experiences, the company introduced a distinct service known as “TripAdvisor Vacation Rentals.”
The inception of TripAdvisor Vacation Rentals was a response to the increasing desire among travelers to explore and enjoy stays beyond the conventional hotel setting. TripAdvisor empowers users to discover and book an extensive array of holiday homes, villas, cabins, and other distinctive accommodations by providing a dedicated platform for vacation rentals.
This specialized service gives travelers access to a wide selection of vacation rental options, each promising a personalized and unforgettable travel experience. Whether it’s a cozy cottage nestled in the mountains, a luxurious beachfront villa, or a charming urban apartment, TripAdvisor Vacation Rentals presents a treasure trove of unique stays across various destinations.
The introduction of TripAdvisor Vacation Rentals has enriched the company’s offerings and underscores its commitment to adapting to changing travel trends. By catering to the increasing demand for alternative accommodations, TripAdvisor solidifies its position as a leading player in the ever-evolving online travel industry.
6. Bookings.com
Like TripAdvisor, this is one of the Airbnb like apps that sets itself apart by providing access to an impressive array of over 27 million accommodation options worldwide. With a vast travel inventory under its management, the app is a specialist in the accommodations field.
A prominent player in the online travel industry, Booking.com owns a diverse portfolio of travel businesses, including Cheapflights, Agoda, Rentalcars.com, Priceline, and Kayak. These entities complement each other to offer travelers comprehensive services and options for their journeys. The app’s astounding success is evident through its remarkable milestone of over 1,000,000,000 downloads, signifying its widespread popularity among global users.
A myriad of features enriches the app’s functionality, ensuring users enjoy a seamless and rewarding experience throughout their travel planning process. The “Hotel comparison” feature empowers travelers to make informed decisions by comparing various hotel options based on essential criteria such as location, price, and amenities.
The “signup” option allows users to create personalized profiles, enabling them to access exclusive deals and receive tailored recommendations based on their preferences.
For added convenience and security, the app supports “in-app payment” methods, allowing users to finalize bookings directly within the app without the need for third-party transactions. To ensure the best possible accommodation options, the app incorporates a “booking sites request” functionality, providing access to a range of trusted booking sites that suit users’ preferences and requirements.
In essence, this app serves as a comprehensive platform, delivering an exceptional range of accommodation choices to travelers across the globe. Its diverse features and extensive reach have secured its position as a go-to solution for those seeking memorable and hassle-free travel experiences.
7. Plum Guide
Established in 2015, Plum Guide is a relatively new entrant in the vacation rental and holiday homes industry and Airbnb like apps. However, its recent establishment does not hinder the company from asserting its position as a prominent player in the market.
On the contrary, Plum Guide is rapidly gaining popularity, primarily due to its stringent vetting process, which sets it apart from its competitors.
Dedicated to offering only the finest holiday homes, Plum Guide implements a rigorous vetting procedure for every property listed on its platform. The vetting process spans cities in the U.S., U.K., and Europe, and only the top 1% of holiday homes make the cut. This exclusivity ensures that guests can access only the most exceptional and high-quality accommodations, setting a new standard in the industry.
At the heart of Plum Guide’s vetting process lies the 150-point Plum Test, a comprehensive evaluation each vacation home must pass to qualify for listing. By surpassing this exacting assessment, the selected properties guarantee guests an unparalleled experience akin to staying in a luxury hotel.
From essential amenities like fast WiFi, premium linens, and plush towels to well-equipped kitchens, every aspect is thoughtfully curated to ensure comfort and convenience for guests.
Beyond the standard amenities, Plum Guide also prioritizes the overall experience for its guests. Thus, besides offering well-appointed interiors, the selected vacation homes are nestled in characterful neighborhoods, enhancing the guests’ immersion in the local culture and ambiance.
Moreover, these neighborhoods boast excellent connectivity, facilitating seamless exploration of the city’s attractions and landmarks.
Plum Guide has carved a niche for itself in the vacation rental market by maintaining such a stringent vetting process and adhering to high-quality standards. Its commitment to offering only the best of the best ensures that guests can trust the platform to deliver unforgettable and gratifying travel experiences.
How Can You Make Airbnb like Apps?
Creating a mobile app may seem overwhelming, yet through meticulous planning and execution; it can be streamlined into several achievable stages:
1. Identify Your Target Audience
Before embarking on the app development process, it’s imperative to pinpoint your intended market. Understanding your audience’s demographics, preferences, and requirements will facilitate the creation of an app tailored to their specific needs.
2. Define Your App’s Features
Once your target audience is identified, delineate the distinctive features your app will offer. Consider elements that will set your app apart from existing travel applications in the market.
3. Select Your Development Platform
Choosing the most suitable platform for your app, whether iOS, Android, or both, depends on your target audience and the functionalities you wish to provide. Align your choice with your overarching goals.
4. Enlist a Skilled Development Team
Unless you possess expertise in app development, enlisting a proficient team to assist you is advisable. Seek professionals specialized in crafting travel apps to ensure optimal outcomes.
5. Craft Your App’s User Interface
Your app’s user interface should embody user-friendliness, intuition, and ease of navigation. Engage a proficient designer capable of creating an interface that perfectly caters to your audience’s preferences.
6. Develop Your App’s Backend
The backbone of your app, the backend, warrants meticulous development to support the app’s functionalities and accommodate user traffic effectively.
7. Thoroughly Test Your App
Before public launch, comprehensive testing is essential to ensure proper functionality and detect and resolve any bugs or issues.
8. Execute Your App Launch
Once your app is primed, it’s time for its grand app launch. Devise a strategic launch plan to reach your target audience effectively.
9. Monitor and Enhance Your App
Post-launch, diligent monitoring is crucial to identify any potential issues. Regular updates are essential to keep your app contemporary and competitive. User feedback must be considered to improve the app’s performance continually.
Conclusion
After exploring all the Airbnb like apps, it is clear that developing a similar application would be a great kickstart to make your venture a brand.
So, to embark on the journey of developing an app like Airbnb, you need a great outsource mobile app development company.
Look no further than Netweb Tech, the best travel app development company. Our expertise and proficiency in this niche make us the best choice to transform your vision into reality. You can definitely trust our team of skilled professionals to create a top-notch app that caters to your target audience, incorporating cutting-edge features and ensuring a seamless user experience.
So, choose us to bring your dream app to life and make your mark in the thriving world of travel and hospitality.
