Airbnb Sees Faster Growth in 2026 Amid 'Healthy' Travel Demand

Home-rental giant cites strong bookings, new payment options as drivers of accelerating revenue growth.

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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Airbnb Inc. reported strong fourth-quarter bookings and issued an upbeat revenue outlook for 2026, citing robust travel demand and growing adoption of its new flexible payment and booking options. The company projected revenue growth to accelerate to 'at least low double digits' from 10% in 2025, in line with analysts' estimates. Airbnb's shares jumped as much as 9.5% after the announcement, their biggest intraday gain since April 2025.

Why it matters

Airbnb's performance is seen as a bellwether for the broader travel industry, and the company's upbeat guidance suggests that consumer demand for vacation rentals and travel experiences remains healthy despite economic headwinds. The company's investments in new payment options, AI-powered customer support, and diversifying its business beyond vacation rentals also indicate it is adapting to evolving traveler preferences.

The details

Airbnb said its 'nights and seats booked' metric grew 9.8% in the fourth quarter to 121.9 million, exceeding expectations. The company attributed much of this growth to the popularity of its new 'Reserve Now, Pay Later' option in the US, as well as more generous cancellation policies. Airbnb also noted strong demand in its newer international markets, with first-time bookers in India growing more than 60%.

  • Airbnb reported its fourth-quarter results on February 15, 2026.
  • The company projected revenue growth to accelerate to 'at least low double digits' in 2026, up from 10% in 2025.

The players

Airbnb Inc.

A home-rental giant that operates an online marketplace for vacation rentals and other travel experiences.

Brian Chesky

The CEO of Airbnb.

Ahmad Al-Dahle

Airbnb's new chief technology officer, previously an executive at Meta Platforms Inc.

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What they’re saying

“The big idea here isn't just building a bunch of standalone businesses. These are all part of a much larger vision. We are one app and one brand where every part of the trip makes the other parts stronger. There are multiple entry points into Airbnb and multiple ways to drive more bookings.”

— Brian Chesky, CEO (Earnings call)

What’s next

Airbnb plans to expand its 'Reserve Now, Pay Later' option globally in 2026 and continue investing in AI-powered customer support and search features to improve the user experience.

The takeaway

Airbnb's strong performance and forward-looking guidance suggest that the vacation rental market remains resilient, with the company's investments in new payment options, diversification, and technology helping to drive accelerating growth even in the face of economic uncertainty.