Airbnb China: Alternative apps & strategies for hotels

What is Airbnb China?

Airbnb initially made a significant impact on the Chinese market, offering travellers unique and affordable stays. However, Airbnb faced several challenges in China, including strong local competition, regulatory hurdles, and differing consumer preferences. As a result, Airbnb decided to shut down its domestic operations in China in 2022, leaving a gap in the market for both travellers and accommodation providers.

Is there Airbnb in China?

While Airbnb still operates in regions like Hong Kong and the East China Sea, its presence in mainland China has effectively ended. This shift has created an opportunity for hotel owners and operators like you to step in and attract the guests who once relied on Airbnb.

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Why is Airbnb failing in China?

Airbnb’s exit from China was due to several key factors that are important to understand if you want to take advantage of the current market landscape.

Local competition: Platforms like Tujia, often referred to as “China’s Airbnb,” had a better understanding of the local market. They offered services that were more tailored to the needs and preferences of Chinese travellers, making it difficult for Airbnb to compete.
Regulatory challenges: The Chinese government’s strict regulations on data privacy, rental properties, and foreign businesses created significant obstacles for Airbnb. Complying with these regulations while trying to grow their business proved to be too challenging.
Cultural differences: Chinese travellers often prefer staying in hotels or state-licensed accommodations, which are perceived as more reliable and trustworthy. Airbnb’s model, based on private home rentals, didn’t resonate as strongly with these consumers.

What are the alternatives to Airbnb China?

With Airbnb no longer operating in mainland China, you may be wondering which platforms can help you attract the guests who previously used Airbnb. Here are some key alternatives:

Tujia: China’s Airbnb

Tujia is the most direct alternative to Airbnb in China. It offers a wide range of properties, from urban apartments to rural homes, and caters to both domestic and international travellers. Tujia’s strength lies in its local expertise and compliance with Chinese regulations. Listing your hotel on Tujia can help you reach a large audience of travellers who are already familiar with the platform and looking for accommodations similar to what Airbnb once offered.

Booking.com

Booking.com is a global platform with a strong presence in China. It offers a variety of accommodation types, including hotels, which makes it an excellent choice for medium-sized hotel chains. The platform is user-friendly and integrates well with hotel management systems, making it easier for you to manage your listings and maximise your visibility.

Agoda

Agoda is particularly popular in the Asian market and is known for its focus on mobile bookings and competitive pricing. It is widely used by budget-conscious travellers, making it a good option if your hotel caters to this segment. Listing your property on Agoda can help you attract guests from Southeast Asia and other nearby regions.

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Listing your hotel: What is the Airbnb strategy in China?

Despite Airbnb’s exit from the domestic Chinese market, it still maintains listings in regions like Hong Kong and the East China Sea, catering primarily to outbound Chinese travellers and international guests. If you’re considering listing your hotel on Airbnb, it’s important to focus on these regions and tailor your offerings to meet the expectations of travellers who are still using Airbnb for their trips to China’s neighbouring areas.

How to list property on Airbnb China alternatives

To maximise your hotel’s visibility and bookings, it’s essential to list your property on multiple platforms. Here’s how you can do it:

Tujia: To list your property on Tujia, start by creating an account and providing detailed information about your property, including high-quality photos, amenities, and pricing. Tujia also allows you to work with local property management companies, which can help with managing your listings and ensuring compliance with local regulations.
Booking.com: Setting up a listing on Booking.com is straightforward. You’ll need to provide your hotel’s details, including room types, pricing, and availability. Booking.com also offers integration with various hotel management systems, making it easier to manage bookings and availability in real-time.
Agoda: To list your hotel on Agoda, sign up as a partner and fill in your property details. Agoda’s platform allows you to manage your rates and availability, and it offers tools for optimising your listings to attract more bookings, particularly from the mobile-savvy traveller segment.

Airbnb China

Tips for hotel owners to attract Airbnb China guests

With Airbnb’s departure from China, there’s a significant opportunity for hotels to attract former Airbnb users. Here are some tips to help you capture this market:

Offer unique experiences: Many Airbnb users are looking for unique, local experiences. Consider offering special packages that include local tours, cultural experiences, or exclusive access to nearby attractions. This can differentiate your hotel from others and appeal to guests who previously chose Airbnb for its unique offerings.
Enhance digital marketing efforts: With Airbnb out of the picture, it’s important to boost your hotel’s online presence. Invest in SEO, social media marketing, and paid search campaigns to ensure your hotel appears prominently in search results. Use targeted advertising to reach former Airbnb users who are now searching for alternative accommodations.
Provide seamless booking options: Former Airbnb guests are accustomed to a simple, user-friendly booking process. Ensure your website offers a seamless booking experience, with mobile optimisation and secure payment options.

What are the alternatives to Airbnb in other Asian markets?

Beyond China, other Asian markets such as Indonesia and Thailand also offer alternative platforms to Airbnb. In these regions, platforms like Traveloka and Flipkey have gained popularity among travellers.

In Indonesia, Traveloka is a dominant platform, offering a wide range of accommodations and travel services. For hotels in Indonesia, listing on Traveloka can help reach a broad audience of both local and international travellers.

In Thailand, Flipkey, a subsidiary of Tripadvisor, is a popular choice among travellers seeking vacation rentals. Listing your property on Flipkey can help you tap into the growing market of travellers looking for unique, high-quality accommodations in Thailand.