Airbnb bets long on India as Chesky flags it among biggest global markets

CEO Brian Chesky calls India a top long-term priority, citing Gen Z demand and 80% domestic booking share. Airbnb plans to roll out AI tools in 11 languages, plus car rentals, grocery and airport pickups locally.

— Filed Thu, 21 May, 2026, 17:59 IST · Source ET Small Business · Updated

Airbnb CEO Brian Chesky says India is among its fastest-growing markets and a long-term investment priority, driven by Gen Z and domestic travel (80% of bookings). Plans to roll out AI tools, car rentals, grocery, airport pickups in India soon.

Why this matters

Reinforces Chesky's recent positioning of India as a decade-plus growth market, expanding beyond stays into mobility, grocery and airport services to deepen local relevance.

Retail-company signals steady at 830 over the past 90 days.