On May 3, Brian asked the Airbnb community what improvements they wanted to see, and based on nearly 3,300 responses, these were their top suggestions:

1. Lower cleaning fees
2. Better search & filters
3. Verified listings
4. Better customer service
5. Guest loyalty program
6. Total price with taxes
7. Better review system
8. Lower prices

We spent the summer working on these, alongside other improvements aimed at making the end-to-end experience on Airbnb even better, and today we’re sharing an update on how we are addressing five of the top suggestions:

Lower prices and lower cleaning fees

We know affordability is important, especially during economically uncertain times. Over the past year, we introduced several initiatives aimed at fostering affordability on Airbnb, from new pricing tools for Hosts, to making pricing even more transparent for guests.

● Today, four out of every five Hosts use one of our pricing tools. Almost 680,000 Hosts have used our new tool to compare their prices with similar listings nearby, while almost two thirds of Hosts offer weekly or monthly discounts.
● Against the backdrop of increasing prices industry-wide, and with an average nightly rate of $128 in July 2023, the average nightly price of a one-bedroom listing on Airbnb is 1 percent lower than it was in July 2022 - while hotel prices have gone up 10 percent to $167 over the same period .1
● Since we launched it, over 8 million guests have booked travel on Airbnb using total price display, which made fees even more transparent.
● This year over 260,000 listings lowered or removed their cleaning fees2 – on top of nearly 3 million listings that currently don’t charge one.

Improvements to search and filters

We know how important it is to find the perfect stay in just one search. One of the top suggestions from our community was to expand our search capabilities.

● Starting today, if search results are limited, we’ll automatically display a carousel at the bottom of search results so guests can review more great homes available over similar dates.
● We’ve also added two new search filters by popular demand: pet-friendly homes and king-size beds. This should come as no surprise as there have been over 6 million pet arrivals on Airbnb in the past year3. The top ten most popular countries for pets in the past year include the USA, France, UK, Canada, Brazil, Spain, Italy, Australia, Mexico and Germany.4 With over a quarter of listings across the platform welcoming pets, it’s now even easier for guests to narrow their search by those that welcome furry friends.
● And with king-size beds featured in over a million listings, the new king-size bed filter will help guests easily find the homes that offer them.

Listing verification in our top five countries

We firmly believe guests shouldn’t have to worry about whether a listing is fake or isn’t located where it says it is.

● Later this year, we'll begin verifying every listing in the US, Canada, Australia, UK and France with verified icons appearing on listings from February. Starting next fall, we'll begin verifying listings in 30 more countries.
● This complements our ongoing work to implement tools to help prevent fraud, remove bad actors, and increase trust in our community. This year, we blocked 157,000 fake listings from ever joining the platform, and removed an additional 59,000.

Customer service improvements

We want all of our guests to have a great experience on Airbnb, which includes providing timely and seamless support when they need it.

● This summer, we answered 94% of calls in English within 2 minutes. We also extended this 2-minute response time to 9 more languages.
● From November, we’ll start making additional improvements to customer service so that when guests call, they’re going to be matched with the best agents to resolve their specific issue, faster.

Coming soon

We’ll have even more exciting updates to share during our 2023 Winter Release.

On May 3, Brian asked the Airbnb community what improvements they wanted to see, and based on nearly 3,300 responses, these were their top suggestions: 1. Lower cleaning fees 2. Better search & filters 3. Verified listings 4. Better customer service 5. Guest loyalty program 6. Total price with taxes 7. Better review system 8. Lower prices We spent the summer working on these, alongside other improvements aimed at making the end-to-end experience on Airbnb even better, and today we’re sharing an update on how we are addressing five of the top suggestions: Lower prices and lower cleaning fees We know affordability is important, especially during economically uncertain times. Over the past year, we introduced several initiatives aimed at fostering affordability on Airbnb, from new pricing tools for Hosts, to making pricing even more transparent for guests. ● Today, four out of every five Hosts use one of our pricing tools. Almost 680,000 Hosts have used our new tool to compare their prices with similar listings nearby, while almost two thirds of Hosts offer weekly or monthly discounts. ● Against the backdrop of increasing prices industry-wide, and with an average nightly rate of $128 in July 2023, the average nightly price of a one-bedroom listing on Airbnb is 1 percent lower than it was in July 2022 - while hotel prices have gone up 10 percent to $167 over the same period .1 ● Since we launched it, over 8 million guests have booked travel on Airbnb using total price display, which made fees even more transparent. ● This year over 260,000 listings lowered or removed their cleaning fees2 – on top of nearly 3 million listings that currently don’t charge one. Improvements to search and filters We know how important it is to find the perfect stay in just one search. One of the top suggestions from our community was to expand our search capabilities. ● Starting today, if search results are limited, we’ll automatically display a carousel at the bottom of search results so guests can review more great homes available over similar dates. ● We’ve also added two new search filters by popular demand: pet-friendly homes and king-size beds. This should come as no surprise as there have been over 6 million pet arrivals on Airbnb in the past year3. The top ten most popular countries for pets in the past year include the USA, France, UK, Canada, Brazil, Spain, Italy, Australia, Mexico and Germany.4 With over a quarter of listings across the platform welcoming pets, it’s now even easier for guests to narrow their search by those that welcome furry friends. ● And with king-size beds featured in over a million listings, the new king-size bed filter will help guests easily find the homes that offer them. Listing verification in our top five countries We firmly believe guests shouldn’t have to worry about whether a listing is fake or isn’t located where it says it is. ● Later this year, we'll begin verifying every listing in the US, Canada, Australia, UK and France with verified icons appearing on listings from February. Starting next fall, we'll begin verifying listings in 30 more countries. ● This complements our ongoing work to implement tools to help prevent fraud, remove bad actors, and increase trust in our community. This year, we blocked 157,000 fake listings from ever joining the platform, and removed an additional 59,000. Customer service improvements We want all of our guests to have a great experience on Airbnb, which includes providing timely and seamless support when they need it. ● This summer, we answered 94% of calls in English within 2 minutes. We also extended this 2-minute response time to 9 more languages. ● From November, we’ll start making additional improvements to customer service so that when guests call, they’re going to be matched with the best agents to resolve their specific issue, faster. Coming soon We’ll have even more exciting updates to share during our 2023 Winter Release.

Prime Minister and Minister of Finance the Hon. Philip Davis said as the country celebrates with the Bahamian families who are now just weeks away from moving into their homes at Renaissance at Carmichael, his administration realizes how important it is to prioritize government initiatives that help Bahamians achieve security and build wealth.

“Renaissance will eventually comprise of up to 200 affordable homes in Southern New Providence and that means 200 more Bahamian families will have a place to call home, a place to raise their children, a place to build memories and community, ” Prime Minister Davis said at The Renaissance at Carmichael Opening, Key Presentation and Open House at the development, Friday, July 14, 2023.

He explained Heritage Education Funds International, a subsidiary of Proven Wealth Management was important in making the expansion of affordable housing.

The Prime Minister said the development spans more than 70 acres with infrastructure already in place including roads, electricity, water and sewer systems.

He noted that the development includes condominiums and single-family homes constructed with quality materials and raised above road level for safety.

“We have also provided options for renewable energy and appliance and furniture packages.

“With home prices under $175,000 and mortgage options available through local financial institutions, we encourage all Bahamians to seize these opportunities to become homeowners.”

Prime Minister Davis said the six families receiving keys for new homes during the opening who are moving into the homes in September exemplify the strength and determination of the Bahamian people.

The new owners include persons in the Police and Defence Forces, a mother who attended the government’s first housing fair (who saved to secure her down payment) and a family raising a child with special needs.

The Prime Minister said the contractors built a specially adapted home to meet accessibility needs of the family raising a disabled child.

Minister of Transport and Housing the Hon. JoBeth Coleby-Davis said in Phase I and II, Renaissance at Carmichael will consist of 106 single family homes and eight condominium buildings.  The single-family homes will range from two bedrooms and three-bathroom models to three bedrooms and two-bathroom models.

The condominium units will range from one bedroom and one-bathroom models to three bedrooms and two-bathroom models.

The Housing Minister said, “Completed single homes and condominium buildings are being turned over in stages.  All homes and condominiums will feature granite countertops, hurricane impact windows and architectural shingles and the prices will not exceed $175,000.”

She said as the homes are fully insulated, there will be greater energy efficiency.  “This will lower the cost to keep the homes cool, a significant savings for Bahamians.”

The Minister noted that to be environmentally friendly, selective trees and plants that were removed to allow for the land clearing for the housing development will be replanted to all of the homes.

She explained that development was a public and private partnership between Heritage Education Complete Construction Investment and Development Company and The Bahamas Government.

Receiving their keys during the ceremony were the Miller, the Armbrister, the Cleare, the Mader, the Datson and the Lightbourne families.

Prime Minister and Minister of Finance the Hon. Philip Davis said as the country celebrates with the Bahamian families who are now just weeks away from moving into their homes at Renaissance at Carmichael, his administration realizes how important it is to prioritize government initiatives that help Bahamians achieve security and build wealth. “Renaissance will eventually comprise of up to 200 affordable homes in Southern New Providence and that means 200 more Bahamian families will have a place to call home, a place to raise their children, a place to build memories and community, ” Prime Minister Davis said at The Renaissance at Carmichael Opening, Key Presentation and Open House at the development, Friday, July 14, 2023. He explained Heritage Education Funds International, a subsidiary of Proven Wealth Management was important in making the expansion of affordable housing. The Prime Minister said the development spans more than 70 acres with infrastructure already in place including roads, electricity, water and sewer systems. He noted that the development includes condominiums and single-family homes constructed with quality materials and raised above road level for safety. “We have also provided options for renewable energy and appliance and furniture packages. “With home prices under $175,000 and mortgage options available through local financial institutions, we encourage all Bahamians to seize these opportunities to become homeowners.” Prime Minister Davis said the six families receiving keys for new homes during the opening who are moving into the homes in September exemplify the strength and determination of the Bahamian people. The new owners include persons in the Police and Defence Forces, a mother who attended the government’s first housing fair (who saved to secure her down payment) and a family raising a child with special needs. The Prime Minister said the contractors built a specially adapted home to meet accessibility needs of the family raising a disabled child. Minister of Transport and Housing the Hon. JoBeth Coleby-Davis said in Phase I and II, Renaissance at Carmichael will consist of 106 single family homes and eight condominium buildings.  The single-family homes will range from two bedrooms and three-bathroom models to three bedrooms and two-bathroom models. The condominium units will range from one bedroom and one-bathroom models to three bedrooms and two-bathroom models. The Housing Minister said, “Completed single homes and condominium buildings are being turned over in stages.  All homes and condominiums will feature granite countertops, hurricane impact windows and architectural shingles and the prices will not exceed $175,000.” She said as the homes are fully insulated, there will be greater energy efficiency.  “This will lower the cost to keep the homes cool, a significant savings for Bahamians.” The Minister noted that to be environmentally friendly, selective trees and plants that were removed to allow for the land clearing for the housing development will be replanted to all of the homes. She explained that development was a public and private partnership between Heritage Education Complete Construction Investment and Development Company and The Bahamas Government.   Receiving their keys during the ceremony were the Miller, the Armbrister, the Cleare, the Mader, the Datson and the Lightbourne families.

The island of Eleuthera is scheduled to see some major infrastructural improvements headed its way over the next few weeks. This according to Minister of Agriculture, Marine Resources and Family Island Affairs the Hon. Clay Sweeting during his contribution to the 2023/2024 budget debate held in the House of Assembly on Monday, June 12, 2023. The Minister said that road improvements are on the way.

"I have the distinct pleasure to announce that my colleague for Fort  Charlotte, Hon. Alfred Sears has ensured that the roads in  Eleuthera will be completed with asphalt, striped and cat eyed.  Unlike previous administrations, the drive to accomplish goals and improve infrastructure often left out a few key people; the  residents," he said. 

"We will ensure that there will be a harmonious balance  to ensure that the primary contractor (Bahamas Striping) in this venture, will subcontract most of the prep work to local companies,  Quik Fix and Nu View. Two companies that have been in the road  building business for many years and are native to Eleuthera." 

In addition, the Minister said that over the next two weeks a team would start repairing all the potholes in Eleuthera ahead of the major  construction.  

"This partnership ensures that a good portion of economic activity  stays on the ground and touches the lives of Eleutherans. We will not patch the roads like a quilt, and we are not in the business of waiting until close to elections to deliver on key promises, but we  will ensure that residents and guests can drive on descent, solid, paved roads similar to those constructed on Exuma to improve road safety for all uses. This initiative will see the fruition of continuous roads from the North to the South and throughout several communities," said Minister Sweeting. 

Speaking to criticism of people highlighting the housing challenge on Eleuthera on social media platforms, he said that efforts are being made to meet the housing demands in Eleuthera. 

"Eleuthera abounds  with opportunity for those prepared to meet the demand to provide housing. Just the other day I ran into an Eleuthera native who had returned home and is constructing an 18 plex in response  to the housing demand.  He said that Eleuthera is recovering ahead of schedule and the residents are the direct beneficiaries.  He also pointed to the Prime Minister's budget communication, in which he highlighted affordable housing for the islands as a priority not only for New Providence but the other islands as well. 

"As a  priority of this Davis led administration, not only is the affordable  home program implemented in New Providence, but I want the  people of Central and South Eleuthera to know that as a member  of this team, I advocated strongly to ensure that Eleuthera was  prioritized in this program. Working alongside my colleague, the  member for LIZZY/Elizabeth, and Min. for Housing and Transport  the Hon. Jobeth Coleby-Davis -- not only has this happened, but on  the 22nd of June, yes! You heard me correctly! On the 22nd June, 2023, The Honorable Prime Minister will lead a delegation to the newly-built Ocean Hole Subdivision in Rock Sound to issue the first six keys of newly constructed homes to homeowners on  Eleuthera. 

The Minister showed photos of the new homes. 

The island of Eleuthera is scheduled to see some major infrastructural improvements headed its way over the next few weeks. This according to Minister of Agriculture, Marine Resources and Family Island Affairs the Hon. Clay Sweeting during his contribution to the 2023/2024 budget debate held in the House of Assembly on Monday, June 12, 2023. The Minister said that road improvements are on the way. "I have the distinct pleasure to announce that my colleague for Fort  Charlotte, Hon. Alfred Sears has ensured that the roads in  Eleuthera will be completed with asphalt, striped and cat eyed.  Unlike previous administrations, the drive to accomplish goals and improve infrastructure often left out a few key people; the  residents," he said.  "We will ensure that there will be a harmonious balance  to ensure that the primary contractor (Bahamas Striping) in this venture, will subcontract most of the prep work to local companies,  Quik Fix and Nu View. Two companies that have been in the road  building business for many years and are native to Eleuthera."  In addition, the Minister said that over the next two weeks a team would start repairing all the potholes in Eleuthera ahead of the major  construction.   "This partnership ensures that a good portion of economic activity  stays on the ground and touches the lives of Eleutherans. We will not patch the roads like a quilt, and we are not in the business of waiting until close to elections to deliver on key promises, but we  will ensure that residents and guests can drive on descent, solid, paved roads similar to those constructed on Exuma to improve road safety for all uses. This initiative will see the fruition of continuous roads from the North to the South and throughout several communities," said Minister Sweeting.  Speaking to criticism of people highlighting the housing challenge on Eleuthera on social media platforms, he said that efforts are being made to meet the housing demands in Eleuthera.  "Eleuthera abounds  with opportunity for those prepared to meet the demand to provide housing. Just the other day I ran into an Eleuthera native who had returned home and is constructing an 18 plex in response  to the housing demand.  He said that Eleuthera is recovering ahead of schedule and the residents are the direct beneficiaries.  He also pointed to the Prime Minister's budget communication, in which he highlighted affordable housing for the islands as a priority not only for New Providence but the other islands as well.  "As a  priority of this Davis led administration, not only is the affordable  home program implemented in New Providence, but I want the  people of Central and South Eleuthera to know that as a member  of this team, I advocated strongly to ensure that Eleuthera was  prioritized in this program. Working alongside my colleague, the  member for LIZZY/Elizabeth, and Min. for Housing and Transport  the Hon. Jobeth Coleby-Davis -- not only has this happened, but on  the 22nd of June, yes! You heard me correctly! On the 22nd June, 2023, The Honorable Prime Minister will lead a delegation to the newly-built Ocean Hole Subdivision in Rock Sound to issue the first six keys of newly constructed homes to homeowners on  Eleuthera.  The Minister showed photos of the new homes. 

 

“The Month of Mayis recognised as Disaster Preparedness Month across the length and breadth of The Bahamas. In line with this, Urban Renewal Northern Bahamas Small Home RepairsDivision will begin a robust repair programme this week to aggressively address themany outstanding housing repair concerns”, said Deputy Director of Urban Renewal,Senator the Hon. Kirkland Russell, during a press briefing on Monday, May 1, 2023, atthe Urban Renewal Commission Office.

Preston Kyle Stuart, the project manager for Small Home Repairs in the northernBahamas, and Bishop Daron S. Sturrup Sr., religious coordinator were also presentduring this briefing.

Urban Renewal’s Small Home Repairs programme aims to provide relief to residenceson the islands of Grand Bahama and Abaco that are still suffering from hurricanedamages. According to Senator Russell, priority will be given to those with roofdamage and special attention will be paid to seniors and those living with disabilities.

The Bahamas government is committed to fulfilling its promise of providing relief to theresidents from West Grand Bahama to East Grand Bahama, North Abaco to Moore'sIsland, and also those on the island of Bimini. Senator Russell emphasised that thegovernment, through the Urban Renewal Small Home Repair Programme, haslaunched an aggressive approach to tackle the many concerns pertaining to smallhome repairs. With hurricane season approaching and certain weather phenomenaalready being experienced, the programme in Grand Bahama and Abaco inclusive ofthe cays will be accelerated.

This programme is designed to also engage craftsmen and contractors in variouscommunities who are unemployed and looking for work.

The application process continues, and those in need of small home repairs can fill outand submit applications at the Urban Renewal Commission Office. The government iscommitted to a non-stop small home repair process. Project Manager Kyle Stuart andhis team will be contacting residents to set dates for assessments of homes.

Senator Russell’s concluding remark, “Today we would like to assure the public thathelp is on the way” resonated throughout the room. His affirmation and thecontinuation of this programme shows the government’s commitment to provide reliefand assistance to those in need. This programme is expected to bring relief, givereassurance and put smiles on the faces of those who have suffered much as a resultof hurricane disasters.

“The Month of May is recognised as Disaster Preparedness Month across the length and breadth of The Bahamas. In line with this, Urban Renewal Northern Bahamas Small Home Repairs Division will begin a robust repair programme this week to aggressively address the many outstanding housing repair concerns”, said Deputy Director of Urban Renewal, Senator the Hon. Kirkland Russell, during a press briefing on Monday, May 1, 2023, at the Urban Renewal Commission Office. Preston Kyle Stuart, the project manager for Small Home Repairs in the northern Bahamas, and Bishop Daron S. Sturrup Sr., religious coordinator were also present during this briefing. Urban Renewal’s Small Home Repairs programme aims to provide relief to residences on the islands of Grand Bahama and Abaco that are still suffering from hurricane damages. According to Senator Russell, priority will be given to those with roof damage and special attention will be paid to seniors and those living with disabilities. The Bahamas government is committed to fulfilling its promise of providing relief to the residents from West Grand Bahama to East Grand Bahama, North Abaco to Moore's Island, and also those on the island of Bimini. Senator Russell emphasised that the government, through the Urban Renewal Small Home Repair Programme, has launched an aggressive approach to tackle the many concerns pertaining to small home repairs. With hurricane season approaching and certain weather phenomena already being experienced, the programme in Grand Bahama and Abaco inclusive of the cays will be accelerated. This programme is designed to also engage craftsmen and contractors in various communities who are unemployed and looking for work. The application process continues, and those in need of small home repairs can fill out and submit applications at the Urban Renewal Commission Office. The government is committed to a non-stop small home repair process. Project Manager Kyle Stuart and his team will be contacting residents to set dates for assessments of homes. Senator Russell’s concluding remark, “Today we would like to assure the public that help is on the way” resonated throughout the room. His affirmation and the continuation of this programme shows the government’s commitment to provide relief and assistance to those in need. This programme is expected to bring relief, give reassurance and put smiles on the faces of those who have suffered much as a result of hurricane disasters.