By Aishwarya Jain and Doyinsola Oladipo Feb 12 (Reuters) – Airbnb on Thursday became the latest travel company to point to resilient premium demand as budget-conscious customers pull back. Hotel operators Marriott and Hilton, airlines such as United and Delta are banking on resilient demand from high-end travelers in 2026, a trend that reflects a deepening K-shaped economy in the U.S. "Guests are choosing more expensive listings. It could be larger listings, nicer listings or listings in markets that are more expensive," the vacation-rental company said. Airbnb forecast first-quarter revenue above Wall Street estimates on Thursday, sending its shares 6% higher in after-market trading. In May 2025, the company launched a new segment that allows customers to book services such as a private chef or yoga instructor, allowing it to compete better with hotels, which typically offer a larger selection of frills. However, in the fourth quarter, half of Airbnb's experiences bookings were not attached to an accommodation booking. The company is also pursuing an expansion in hotels offered by partnering with boutique and independent hotels in cities such as New York and Madrid, where regulations have limited supply for rentals. "We believe bringing more hotels onto the platform can increase our total addressable market," Airbnb said in a letter to shareholders. The company projected revenue between $2.59 billion and $2.63 billion for the quarter, compared with analysts' average estimate of $2.53 billion, according to data compiled by LSEG. San Francisco-based Airbnb expects 2026 revenue to increase "at least low double-digits", roughly in line with analysts' estimates of 10.24%. The firm, however, does not expect adjusted core profit margin growth this year as it continues to reinvest in marketing, product and technology. Airbnb's earnings per share came in at 56 cents in the fourth quarter, compared to 73 cents a year earlier. It posted quarterly revenue of $2.78 billion, compared to expectations of $2.71 billion. (Reporting by Aishwarya Jain in Bengaluru and Doyinsola Oladipo in New York; Editing by Sriraj Kalluvila)
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