Airbnb holds off on ChatGPT integration

CEO Brian Chesky says OpenAI’s tools aren’t ready yet as Airbnb doubles down on its own AI and social features

Airbnb CEO Brian Chesky said the company has decided not to integrate its app with OpenAI’s ChatGPT for now, citing technical and security limitations. Instead, Airbnb is focusing on enhancing its in-app AI tools and developing social features that deepen user connections within its platform.

Key takeaways

• Integration delay: Airbnb is monitoring ChatGPT’s app integrations but believes OpenAI’s current technology isn’t mature enough for a platform with verified community members.
• Focus on internal AI: Airbnb’s own AI assistant now automates reservation changes and cancellations, cutting response times from nearly three hours to six seconds.
• Efficiency gains: The AI agent has reduced the need for human support by 15%, and will expand to Spanish, French, and 56 more languages by next year.
• Multiple AI partners: Airbnb’s system draws on 13 AI models from providers including OpenAI, Alibaba, and Google, with Alibaba’s Qwen model noted for being “fast and cheap.”
• Social expansion: New features allow travelers to share profiles and message others from shared tours or experiences, with privacy safeguards in place.
• Long-term vision: Chesky sees Airbnb’s community and social layer as its key differentiator — and the foundation for future user-generated travel inspiration inside the app.

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