Airbnb has entered Phuket’s sophisticated property rental market with the global launch of Airbnb Luxe, an extension of its web portal which targets exclusive properties. 

The new features include properties like award-winning homes in New Zealand, castles in France and villas in Tuscany.  

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A media release said the extension was off the back of its takeover of Luxury Retreats in 2017 with the rental giant planning to add properties in at least 12 more cities this year, including Milan.  

"This new tier launches with more than 2,000 handpicked homes around the world, each one passing strict evaluation across 300+ criteria to meet standards in both design and function," the release read. 

"Each Airbnb Luxe booking provides access to a dedicated, highly trained trip designer who will ensure the stay is tailored to the traveler’s unique needs every step of the way," it adds. 

The move to tap into this market is propelled at meeting increasing demand for luxury properties. 

Airbnb Co-Founder, CEO and Head of Community Brian Chesky said the modern traveler wanted more than exclusive accommodations- they wanted to aim for transformations and experiences that could be identified through other people and to their destination.  

“With Airbnb Luxe we are applying the same approach we’ve used since we launched Airbnb more than 11 years ago – creating local, authentic and magical travel moments now in amazing places to stay – to reimagine the way people think and experience luxury travel,” Chesky said. 

Source: Airbnb, The Phuket News

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