I have recently noticed that the "Work Collection" item is missing from the Hosting Progress "Opportunities" screen.
On enquiring with Airbnb Support via chat, I have been advised that the policy for work-ready listing has recently been changed. I was advised during the chat that this policy change has not been communicated to hosts.
Under the previous policy, hosts who met the work ready requirements could tag their listing, and it would then appear in searches when the "Work trip" filter was selected. If I remember correctly, these requirements were:
- A high overall review rating (4.7+)
- Smoke alarm and carbon monoxide alarms fitted.
- Instant booking
- Entire home or apartment
- Flexible cancellation policy
- Unattended check-in (key safe)
Under the new policy, the requirements are now:
- At least one business review
- A high business review rating from guests (4.8+)
- A high overall review rating (4.7+)
- An indication from the host that there is a smoke alarm and a carbon monoxide alarm
(https://www.airbnb.com.au/help/article/1185/how-do-i-search-for-a-place-to-stay-when-i-travel-for-wo...)
There seems to be a problem with this new policy. We previously had achieved the necessary criteria with our listing, and had tagged the listing to be shown as suitable for business travellers. However, we have not as yet had any guests tag their reservation as a business trip, thus we have not as yet received any business reviews.
As a result, under the new policy, our listing is now not displayed when the "Work trip" filter is selected in a search. As people searching for listings for work trips will now not find our listing, it is now significantly less likely that we will receive any reservations for business trips, thus we will not receive any business reviews.
Under this policy, it thus appears that very few if any listings that did not previously receive business reviews under the old policy will now ever be able to appear in a work trip search.
The Support agent is formally reporting this, and I have left Feedback on the Airbnb site, referring to the Support case.
Has anyone else noticed this, or is anyone aware of any actions being taken about it?
- Keith De La Rue