Airbnb has unveiled a major winter update of over 50 new features, headlined by a 'Co-Host Network' designed to remove barriers to entry for potential hosts. Olivia Palamountain reports

As Airbnb celebrates its two billionth guest arrival this winter, it has introduced a buddy system inspired by the company's "sharing economy" model.

The new Co-Host Network connects property owners with experienced local hosts who can manage their listings, addressing a key challenge identified in recent surveys where over 40% of hosts indicated they would list more properties if they had additional support.

These co-hosts, numbering more than 10,000 across 10 countries, bring significant expertise to the table. With an average rating of 4.86 out of 5, nearly three-quarters hold Superhost status, and 84 per cent manage properties designated as "Guest Favourites."The platform is also rolling out substantial improvements to its search functionality, introducing personalised filters and enhanced map features to help guests better understand a property's proximity to attractions and amenities. The move comes as research shows 85 per cent of guests prioritise location when choosing between Airbnb and other accommodation options.

In a bid to expand global accessibility, Airbnb is introducing four new local payment methods: Vipps in Norway, Mobile Pay in Denmark, MoMo in Vietnam and P24 in Poland. By spring 2025, the platform expects to support nearly 40 different local payment methods across five continents, potentially reaching more than 4 billion users worldwide.

For hosts, the update includes improved pricing tools and customisable quick-reply templates for guest communications. The platform has also enhanced its earnings dashboard, which sees more than 150,000 daily visits from hosts monitoring their income.The winter release coincides with emerging travel trends showing strong interest in South American and European destinations. Data reveals that guests are particularly drawn to cities hosting major concerts and sporting events, with US travellers showing increased interest in destinations like Indianapolis, Indio, and Vancouver.

Group travel remains robust, with searches typically accommodating four guests. Families are showing particular interest in tropical escapes, with destinations such as Fortaleza, Brazil and Bali, Indonesia seeing significant search growth.

Big Bear Lake, California and Breckenridge, Colorado top the list of skiing destinations, while beach lovers are searching for warm-weather escapes in locations such as Florianópolis, Brazil and Cape Town, South Africa.