Airbnb to add grocery delivery and car rentals ahead of World Cup

This is read by an automated voice.Please report any issues or inconsistencies here.

Airbnb unveiled a new set of services for guests on Wednesday, adding car rentals, airport pickup and grocery delivery to its online marketplace that connects travelers with local hosts.Customers can now get groceries delivered to their Airbnb through a partnership with Instacart and have a driver meet them at the airport with Airbnb’s Welcome Pickups.

The app is also offering luggage storage in partnership with Bounce and will add in-app car rentals later this summer.California Supporters say allowing rentals of non-primary residences will generate needed revenue, but opponents say it will crimp affordable housing supplies.At the same time, Airbnb is ramping up its use of AI by adding AI-powered review summaries and lodging comparisons, the company said.

The company has been expanding beyond lodging since last year, when it introduced Airbnb Experiences & Services, giving guests the option to book private tours and chef-cooked meals through the app.In an earnings call earlier this month, the company’s chief executive, Brian Chesky, said the company is at “the very, very beginning of how AI is going to change how we all do our jobs.” The changes are coming in time for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will take place in 16 cities across the U.S., Mexico and Canada.

The company said it is offering exclusive World Cup experiences, such as watch parties and access to stadiums.“In terms of what we’ve seen in cumulative bookings heading into the event, the World Cup is slated to be the largest event in Airbnb’s history,” said the company’s chief financial officer, Ellie Mertz, on the earnings call.Airbnb gained popularity for offering travelers unique and homey stays on other people’s property, but it added boutique hotel bookings to its platform late last year.

The move had some customers questioning if the app was straying too far from its original purpose....