Airbnb it!

More often than not the State’s rulings only create obstacles for business. But there is an example of an ecosystem that changes the business landscape and pushes the state to make decisions that ensure not only comfortable business running, but also increase the economic attractiveness of the country.

Airbnb is one of the leaders of the sharing ecosystems. Unlike most ecosystems, it doesn’t coordinate most of the activities you see in the diagram, such as presenting houses on the site and communicating with guests. It has an interesting format too — it exists at the micro-and macro-levels (the DNA of the ecosystem).

Ecosystem DNA

The micro-level of the Airbnb ecosystem includes services that generate revenue directly for Airbnb: accommodation, experiences, adventures, restaurants, landlord retention systems

The macro level includes the check-in process, 24-hour keyless access, concierge and reception services, as well as software products such as data representation and analytics. It includes partnerships with startups and, most importantly, promotes the development of the housing industry, as well as travel, and entertainment in general.

In 2018, Airbnb announced the launch of the Airbnb business ecosystem in Japan. The ecosystem includes 36 Japanese companies from different industries.

At the macro level, there are 3 groups of partners, becoming players of the entire ecosystem and developing the country’s sharing economy:

📌 Demand-boosting partners will offer services like loyalty programs and miles accrual on certain airlines.

📌 Service partners will provide host support services: host training, listing registration, furniture installation, photography, and cleaning.

📌 Supplier partners, such as developers or professional hosts, will offer a portfolio of high-quality and unique offerings.

WHAT HAS CHANGED since the introduction of the Airbnb business ecosystem in Japan?

• Creation of an exclusive insurance program for Japan. A local insurance policy specifically designed for the Japanese market, replacing the previous global programs
• Developing universal franchise services throughout the country. Offering simplу services like home photography, cleaning services, and more, Airbnb aims to simplify the hosting experience and include 8 million empty homes across Japan into the system.
• Expansion of the hosts training program. Airbnb has partnered with Pasona Corporation to launch a training program for hosts to improve their hospitality skills. The program will help the hosts to understand the new rules, hone their reception skills, and prepare their homes for guests.
• This launch preceded the passage of the Private Housing Act in Japan, which had a huge impact on the country’s tourist landscape.

Why are we telling you this?

To show that such a business ecosystem is able to change not only the processes of several companies or the customers’ habits, but also to develop a whole industry, in this case — a sharing economy. In this situation, everyone wins — both individual companies and the state.