Airbnb has been committed for several years to making travel accessible to everyone, including people with reduced mobility. To make it easier to find and book suitable accommodation, Airbnb has introduced 13 specific search filters, highlighting accessibility features offered by hosts, such as level access to rooms and suitable parking spaces. The platform checks the accuracy of these accessibility elements throughout its site.
Efforts already made to highlight the accessibility of Airbnb:
Last year, in 2022, Airbnb also created the “adapted accommodation” category, bringing together properties offering level access to the entrance, in at least one bedroom and one bathroom, as well as a accessibility element in the bathroom. The challenge here is that PMR (People with Reduced Mobility) access standards are not always standardized. However, the platform intends here to verify the accessibility information for accommodation so that in absolute and the majority of cases, a person with reduced mobility can actually benefit from rent-free accommodation in the best conditions of comfort and safety. .
The organization of the Paralympic Games will naturally lead many people with disabilities to travel and seek accommodation that meets accessibility standards in the area close to the games. This is why, as part of the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games, Airbnb is joining forces with APF France handicap to encourage owners of adapted accommodation to become hosts on the platform, thus facilitating the accommodation of people with reduced mobility during the event.
A qualitative study carried out by the APF France handicap Tech Lab highlighted that information and personalized support are essential to encourage owners to offer accessible accommodation on Airbnb and thus enable the offer to meet the demand which will of course be much higher over the period of the event.
To meet these needs, Airbnb is implementing several initiatives:
New educational content: A new dedicated page will provide current and future guests with useful information on accommodation and the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games to allow them to better understand the challenges this represents.
Intensive training: Webinars will be held to help participants become hosts, covering creating listings, outlining accessibility features, and tips on hosting guests.
Personalized support: A team of experienced hosts will be available to provide personalized advice and tools to new adapted accommodation hosts.
A true partnership between Airbnb and AFP France Handicap:
Airbnb, as a global partner of the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games, is committed to making it easier to find and book accessible accommodation, particularly in Île-de-France. This first initiative with APF France handicap aims to raise awareness among owners of the importance of offering adapted accommodation on Airbnb.
This initiative is the first step in a plan aimed at increasing the number of adapted accommodations on Airbnb and improving information on the accessibility of accommodation in the Paris region. Airbnb and APF France handicap plan to collaborate to offer more inclusive housing solutions in view of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. For complete support on the management of your seasonal rentals in Paris, we also invite you to contact our concierge agencies in Paris !
