Airbnb is doubling down on high-end travel demand as affluent consumers continue to spend, even while budget-conscious travellers scale back. The platform reported stronger-than-expected quarterly revenue and forecast a solid first quarter, underlining the resilience of premium travel heading into 2026.
Airbnb said guests are increasingly choosing larger, more upscale properties and travelling to higher-priced destinations-a trend that mirrors commentary from major players across the travel ecosystem. Hotel chains such as Marriott and Hilton, along with airlines including United Airlines and Delta Air Lines, have also pointed to sustained demand from higher-income customers.
The shift reflects a “K-shaped” consumption pattern, where affluent travellers continue to prioritize experiences while value-focused consumers tighten discretionary spending. Against this backdrop, Airbnb forecast Q1 revenue between $2.59 billion and $2.63 billion, beating Wall Street expectations of $2.53 billion. The optimistic outlook lifted the company’s shares by around 6% in after-hours trading.
For Q4, Airbnb posted revenue of $2.78 billion, surpassing estimates, though earnings per share declined year-on-year. Looking ahead, the company expects 2026 revenue growth in the low double digits, while cautioning that profit margins may remain under pressure as it reinvests in marketing, product innovation and technology.
Beyond stays, Airbnb continues to expand its ecosystem. The launch of services such as private chefs and yoga instructors, along with a growing push into boutique and independent hotels in cities like New York and Madrid, signals a broader ambition: to evolve from an accommodation platform into a full-spectrum travel marketplace.
