Behind the Stays · 2026-08-14 · 1h 15m
Airbnb just partnered with TripAdvisor to bring 425,000 experiences onto its platform - a move that signals Brian Chesky isn't just dabbling in experiences anymore, he's building a second business inside the first. The crew breaks down what this means for the future of in-destination travel, why the real unfair advantage might already be sitting inside every host's guidebook, and whether this is Airbnb's best play in markets where short-term rental bans are tightening the grip on its core product. Edwin brings the European perspective: Barcelona's courts just sided with the city, 10,000 units disappear by 2029, and the ripple effects are spreading. Then the conversation shifts to IHG, which is taking a completely different approach to the owner economics pressure wave sweeping the industry. While Hilton cuts fees and Marriott rolls out rebates, IHG is pitching a full services package - marketing, digital support, training, group booking - and telling owners to trust the value. Edwin's challenge is sharp: don't tell me the service has value, show me the PL.
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