references
Xavier Sanchez (Lic&MBA 97/AMP 08)
“We are developing an intense project with different institutions to explain the P2P model”
X. S.: Airbnb is not the only company that bases its business on a P2P (peer to peer) model, but it is the most successful so far. Why are you by far the most used? Approach, communication, and a good execution of the model?
J. M.: The idea of Airbnb was good, and the execution, excellent. We were able to design a platform that generates enough confidence and security for people to rent their homes, our most intimate and expensive asset, for the first time. This has allowed us to create a community of travellers and hosts that interact.
X. S.: We've had some controversy along with our success. The lawlessness of this type of accommodation, doubts about owners' tax payments and the pressure of tourism lobbies have all come up; even leading destinations such as London, Amsterdam and San Francisco have passed regulations to encourage the use of Airbnb. What is your position in the face of critics? What role is the company playing in the various regulatory processes?
J. M.: We are talking about a very new business model, while the current legislation was developed decades ago. We are the first to be interested in having a regulatory framework defining the rules. In fact, we are developing an intense project with different institutions to explain the P2P model of a collaborative economy. The more we talk, the more we move forward, and we have the examples of Paris, Amsterdam and London to show for this. The institutions appreciate our willingness to participate.
X. S.: With regard to knowledge of the consumer allowing for the analysis of big data, it has been published that when we enter your platform, those destinations/accommodations that most fit our profile and previous searches are shown. What is the profile of your users? What tools do you use to study their behaviour?
J. M.: Our database of travellers and hosts is very broad and diverse. Direct transactions between individuals generate millions of pieces of data every minute and the important thing is to be able to customise the offer in order to be more relevant. We have more than one million listings worldwide, in 190 countries and more than 34,000 cities, but I think you contribute more value with 10 listings offering you what you're looking for. But we're going step by step, seeing what it is that the customer prefers. And a step towards customisation is essential.
X. S.: One of the essential parts of a collaborative economy are the measures for implementing reputation and security. What is your strategy in this sense? How does the company ensure the quality standards of its services?
J. M.: Asking someone to open the door of their house to a stranger is complicated. You have to create a trusting environment for people to feel safe. Something we do for this are double reviews: the host and traveller both evaluate each other and this visible transparency is very
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