Airbnb is a global online marketplace founded in 2007, when two hosts in San Francisco welcomed three guests into their home. Today, the platform connects over 5 million hosts with travellers seeking stays, in-person experiences, and online experiences across more than 220 countries and regions, spanning 150,000+ cities and towns. The platform carries over 9 million active listings worldwide and has recorded more than 2 billion guest arrivals since its founding.
The core business operates as a peer-to-peer marketplace: hosts list properties or services, guests book them, and Airbnb facilitates the transaction. The company has remitted over $17 billion in taxes globally and reports that hosts have collectively earned more than $300 billion through the platform. In 2024, a typical US host earned $15,000. Airbnb holds a named partnership with the International Olympic Committee.
Beyond its commercial platform, Airbnb runs several adjacent initiatives. Airbnb.org, a nonprofit arm, has provided free emergency housing to more than 250,000 people during crises. Project Lighthouse is the company's anti-discrimination programme, designed to identify and address bias on the platform. The company also maintains sustainability initiatives related to travel and hosting.
