SNS is Divided: The True Feelings of Hosts and Cities Emerging Behind Reports of Airbnb's Success

Airbnb expressed an optimistic outlook, stating that it can continue to grow in 2026. In addition to the fact that travel demand itself has not collapsed, the recent "polarization" of consumer spending is acting as a tailwind for the company. The key point is that the business has shifted to a design that can grow even when travelers are cautious with their spending, not only through "expansion of volume" but also through "increase in unit price" and "expansion of ancillary services."

1) The tailwind of "expensive rooms selling"

According to reports, Airbnb explained that "guests are choosing more expensive listings." There is a recognition that luxurious properties, spacious properties, or stays in inherently high-priced areas are becoming more popular. This is not so much because the economy is entirely strong, but rather because the segment with spending power is supporting travel consumption, with a pronounced "K-shape" pattern. Major hotel chains and airlines similarly speak of the strength of premium demand, which appears to be a common trend across the travel industry.

This trend is significant for Airbnb because the more high-priced bookings increase, the easier it is for the gross booking value (GBV) and fee income to grow. In fact, in the latest quarter, while sales exceeded market expectations, profits declined from the previous year, simultaneously indicating that sales growth does not directly translate into profit.

2) "Low double-digit growth in 2026" and the declaration that profit margins will not "grow"

Airbnb's revenue growth outlook for 2026 is "at least low double-digit growth." At the same time, it is reported that they do not expect an expansion in adjusted profit margins (core profit margins) in the near term, as they prioritize investment in marketing, technology, and products.

Here lies the "pragmatism" of management. Rather than showing short-term profit margins to shareholders, they aim to strengthen product experience and supply (inventory) in a phase where travel demand has fully returned (or continues to return), thereby thickening the winning strategy for the coming years. As a result, the stock price may be evaluated with a time lag, but at least the company has clearly identified what needs to be "grown."

3) Circumventing the headwinds of regulated cities through hotel partnerships

Short-term rentals are prone to increased regulation in various cities. In response, Airbnb is advancing efforts to incorporate hotel inventory into its platform through partnerships with independent and boutique hotels. New York and Madrid are cited as examples of cities with particularly strict regulations.

This signifies that Airbnb is transforming more strongly from a "home rental" company to a "stay solutions aggregator." Even when facing regulations, it maintains its position as a "place to search" for travelers, expanding the supply side to include not only home hosts but also accommodation providers. This strategy effectively increases the platform's resilience.

4) Capturing pre- and post-stay: Expanding "services" and "experiences"

Another growth driver Airbnb is promoting is the "services" associated with accommodation. The article mentions additional services such as private chefs and yoga instructors. This makes it easier for Airbnb to offer the "added value during the stay" that hotels have traditionally excelled at.

Additionally, Airbnb itself announced an update in 2025, including "Airbnb Services" and "Airbnb Experiences," consistently aiming to strengthen revenue sources beyond accommodation.

What is important here is the change in traveler behavior. The focus of travel is shifting from "where to stay" to "what kind of time to spend." If travelers can purchase experiences and services directly from the accommodation booking screen, their pathway becomes shorter. As a result, Airbnb's "circulation" increases, and outflow to other companies decreases. Even if investments suppress profit margins, if they can increase LTV (customer lifetime value), long-term profitability will rise.

Social Media Reactions: The simultaneous eruption of welcome and dissatisfaction

The social media atmosphere surrounding this outlook can be summed up as "investors are optimistic, the field is complex."

1) Investor Community: Positive reception of guidance, but profit growth remains a challenge

On stock-related social media, voices appreciating the upside in sales and the resilience of demand stand out, while cautious opinions are mixed regarding the weakness of EPS (earnings per share) and the outlook for stagnant profit margins. Bullish investors say, "Brand power and product investment create long-term growth," while bearish investors see "increased costs making leverage less effective."

This temperature difference also reflects the different investment styles of how to evaluate Airbnb as a growth stock (whether to bet on "future expansion" or focus on "current profits").

2) Host Community: Demand exists, but "operational difficulties" persist

On the other hand, in posts from the host side, daily operational burdens and dissatisfaction with platform operations are more likely to be discussed than the macro-level topic of strong demand. For example, there are voices of distrust about the automation of review responses making human arbitration feel less apparent and sudden account or listing suspensions.

Additionally, the straightforward question of "Is Airbnb still a solid source of income?" repeatedly arises, suggesting that experiences vary depending on the region and property type.

3) Anti-Airbnb Context: Impact on local communities and the housing market as a "smoldering issue"

Every time Airbnb's growth is reported, topics such as housing supply, rent increases, and the transformation of local communities reignite on social media. While short-term rentals increase tourism convenience, they leave residents with the stress of "living areas becoming tourist areas." This issue is also the backdrop for regulatory strengthening and is connected to Airbnb's reason for advancing hotel partnerships.

Three Focus Points for Predicting Airbnb in 2026

Finally, let's organize the focal points that will influence the "feasibility" of the outlook.

1. Sustainability of Premium Demand
   If the strong trend in high price ranges continues, rising unit prices will be a tailwind. However, if the economic downturn deepens, this segment may also be affected later.

2. Regulatory Environment and Inventory Diversification
   Can they increase inventory (including hotels) that does not rely solely on home hosts? Maintaining presence in regulated cities is key.

3. Monetization of Accommodation Plus
   The establishment of services/experiences can become the next pillar during phases where profit margins are hard to grow. The challenge is whether they can design a structure where revenue is generated after the investment phase.

Airbnb is not just a "lodging reservation site." It is redesigning to capture growth towards 2026, including pre- and post-travel, time during the stay, and even the "regulatory walls." This path is a story of expectation for investors and a story of re-adjustment for hosts and local communities. The divided opinions on social media are because both aspects are progressing simultaneously.

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