Airbnb Inc. launched a $10 million fund to inspire the creation of the most unique and exotic real estate destinations on the planet. The vacation rental website will give 100 people $100,000 to create unforgettable vacations, like “a donut that can live in the desert,” according to the application. Designs must be dramatic, environmentally conscious and complete by August 2023.
A panel of judges, including American designer Iris Apfel and Sydney-based architect Koichi Takada, will evaluate submissions and select projects. In May, Airbnb redesigned its website to help visitors discover distinct locations. OMG! Fund is designed to highlight homes with more unique destinations like the Big Idaho Potato Hotel in Boise, Idaho, which looks like a giant spire from the outside and features cozy accommodations that include fireplaces heaters and chandeliers carved out of velvet. The Deluxe Covered Wagon near Las Vegas offers horseback riding, herding and horseback riding.
Airbnb, along with rivals Expedia Group Inc. and Booking Holdings Inc., said they expect this summer to be one of the best seasons the industry has ever seen, despite higher gas prices and flight cancellations. Focusing on unique assets helps the company differentiate its offerings, as debates raging over the merits of staying at an Airbnb over a hotel room. The San Francisco-based company says booked nights at unique hotels have increased by more than 49 percent globally between 2019 and 2021.
