Airbnb Closes in on 1.5 Million Verified Listings to Build Trust

Airbnb made a major policy change this week that prohibits all indoor security cameras from its properties. Previously, the devices were permitted only in certain common areas—such as living rooms and hallways—as long as they were disclosed on the listing page and made clearly visible.

Airbnb is banning the use of indoor security cameras in properties listed for rent on its site. But even when the ban takes effect from the end of April, how can you be sure that a property owner isn’t spying on you?

Airbnb is banning any and all use of indoor security cameras moving forward.

Airbnb said this week that it was banning the use of all indoor security cameras in its listings worldwide, an update to its current policy allowing the devices to be installed in common areas such as hallways and living rooms.

Airbnb banned all indoor security cameras in its home rentals around the world this week, attributing the move to privacy concerns.

Good morning from Skift. It’s Tuesday, March 12. Here’s what you need to know about the business of travel today.

Airbnb on Monday said it would ban the use of indoor security cameras globally.

Airbnb several years ago had the ambition to be a “super brand for travel.” There was talk of an Airbnb flights feature, as well as restaurants, boutique hotels and experiences. But the pandemic forced it to refocus on its core business of short-term rental stays.

Good morning from Skift. It’s Tuesday, March 5. Here’s what you need to know about the business of travel today.

Executives at companies like Airbnb and Booking Holdings have been talking for over a year about plans to implement the latest advances in artificial intelligence.

A major winter storm has closed Yosemite National Park and is bringing other parts of the Sierra Nevada region to a full stop.  Meteorologists are forecasting some areas of the region, including Lake Tahoe, to receive at least 12 feet of snow, or higher, as the system slowly moves through mountainous regions.  Other parts of the region including Mammoth Lakes, the Sierra National Forest, and Yosemite National Park receive severe winter storms and advise the public to stay off the roads. The National Weather Service (NWS) has already placed most of the region on an Avalanche Watch, Avalanche Warning, and Blizzard Warning through at least March 3 at 10:00 am PST.  Yosemite National Park officials have already closed the park, and are asking all visitors currently in the park to «leave no later than noon» today, according to the park's website.  “A significant winter storm will impact much of the West heading into the weekend, including dangerous, blizzard conditions for the Sierra Nevada,” the NWS shared in an advisory.  In response to the upcoming storm, airlines have begun issuing travel waivers to accommodate the rebooking of passengers. United Airlines has issued a travel waiver for several airports in the region including Aspen/Pitkin County Airport (ASE) in Aspen, Colorado; Eagle County Regional Airport (EGE) near Vail, Colorado; Yampa Valley Regional Airport (HDN) near Steamboat Springs, Colorado; and Jackson Hole Airport (JAC) in Jackson Hole, Wyoming.

Indianapolis is the most-booked destination across all of North America on Airbnb for April 8’s total solar eclipse, according to the online homestay marketplace. However, over 45% of listings on the platform are still available to book in “Circle City,” and 40% are available across the path of totality in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico.