Airbnb explores crypto payments – CEO sees a revolution in crypto” –

Popular travel website Airbnb could soon accept cryptocurrencies for payments, CEO Brian Chesky has hinted. “Like the revolution in travel, a revolution in cryptocurrency is clearly taking place,” he added.

Airbnb CEO Says “There’s Clearly a Revolution in Crypto”

Airbnb CEO Brian Chesky asked on Twitter earlier this week: "If Airbnb could launch anything in 2022, what would it be?"

On Tuesday, he announced that he had received 4,000 suggestions, noting that his company was the most popular in accepting crypto payments. He added: “Our existing payments volume = $336 billion processed since 2013,” noting:

Crypto payments involve a variety of token ideas.

Other top suggestions include clear pricing displays, a guest loyalty program, updated cleaning fees, more extended stays and discounts, better customer service, and “commercial spaces (kitchens, co-working).” While the CEO specifically confirmed that Airbnb is looking for commercial space, he noted:

Most of them are already working, others will now check.

Airbnb operates an online marketplace in the travel industry. According to its website, there are currently more than 5.6 million listings worldwide. Since its launch in 2007, Airbnb has served more than 1 billion customers and more than 4 million hosts have listed their properties on the platform.

The current payment options Airbnb offers in most countries are Visa, Mastercard, Amex, JCB and “debit cards that can be processed as credit cards.” Apple Pay, Google Pay and Paypal are also accepted. Cryptocurrency is not currently a payment option on Airbnb.

Chesky was asked in November last year whether Airbnb was considering accepting cryptocurrencies. He replied:

We'll definitely check it out. Absolutely. Like the revolution in travel, a revolution in cryptocurrency is clearly taking place.

“The founder of Coinbase was an early employee of ours,” Chesky revealed: “We’ve been following the space for quite some time.”

The executive continued, "The key is when ordinary people understand how the new technology has improved their lives, beyond the initial excitement. I'm really excited about certain applications that help ordinary people live better daily lives."

Do you think Airbnb will accept cryptocurrencies soon? Let us know in the comments section below.

Kevin Helms

Kevin, an Austrian economics student, found Bitcoin in 2011 and has been an evangelist ever since. His interests lie in Bitcoin security, open source systems, network effects, and the interface between economics and cryptography.

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