Airbnb Bets on Apps, Events, and Hotels as 2026 Demand Holds Up

Airbnb started 2026 with stronger results than expected.

Revenue rose 18 percent year over year to US$2.7 billion, while guests spent nearly US$30 billion on the platform. Gross booking value, which measures the total value of bookings before fees and other adjustments, increased 19 percent. Nights and seats booked grew 9 percent, showing that travelers continued to book Airbnb stays and services despite a less stable global travel environment.

The company also improved profitability. Adjusted EBITDA rose 24 percent to US$519 million, and net income reached US$160 million. Airbnb said the quarter benefited from healthy demand, stronger pricing, and foreign exchange gains. The performance was strong enough for the company to raise its full-year 2026 revenue outlook.

Cancellations show travel demand is not risk-free

The strong quarter came with one clear warning. Airbnb said cancellations were slightly higher in Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Asia Pacific, mainly because of the conflict in the Middle East.

Airbnb expects the conflict to reduce second-quarter nights and seats booked growth by about 1 percentage point.

Growth is coming from mobile users and newer markets

Airbnb’s app became a stronger booking channel in Q1. Nights booked through the app grew 22 percent year over year and made up 63 percent of total nights booked.

Airbnb also added more new customers. First-time booker growth reached 10 percent, the highest level since early 2022. Brazil, Japan, and India were among the strongest expansion markets. India stood out, with origin nights booked growing about 50 percent year over year.

Airbnb is expanding beyond homes

Airbnb is trying to become a broader travel platform, not just a home rental marketplace. The company is testing services and experiences in selected cities and plans to expand them further. These products can bring travelers into Airbnb before they book accommodation. Airbnb said nearly one-quarter of new guests who book an experience later book a stay or service.

Hotels are also becoming more important. Airbnb is expanding its boutique and independent hotel pilot, especially in cities where home supply is limited by regulation or high demand.

Partnerships and major events add more demand

Airbnb is using partnerships to reach more travelers. Its expanded Delta Air Lines partnership lets SkyMiles members earn miles on Airbnb stays, experiences, and services.

Airbnb said the 2026 FIFA World Cup could become the largest event in its history by guest volume. Since October 2025, more than 100,000 homes across the 16 host cities have joined the platform for the first time.

The latest outlook is stronger, but still cautious

Airbnb has been adding more boutique and independent hotels, testing AI-powered trip planning, and expanding services such as experiences and airport pickups. The Q1 results show why that strategy matters.

Airbnb now expects full-year 2026 revenue growth in the low-to-mid teens. For Q2, it expects revenue of US$3.54 billion to US$3.60 billion, equal to 14 percent to 16 percent year-over-year growth. It also expects a full-year adjusted EBITDA margin of at least 35 percent.

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