Airbnb for Work partners with Orbit World Travel
New Zealand: Airbnb for Work has announced its latest partnership with New Zealand’s largest travel management company, Orbit World Travel.
The partnership, which aims to make it easier for Kiwis to travel for work without sacrificing the comforts of home, is supposedly the first of its kind in New Zealand. It will offer Orbit’s 1000+ client base the opportunity to potentially save up to an average of 49 per cent a night when their employees book an Airbnb over traditional hotels.
Orbit corporate clients will have access to Airbnb’s third party booking tool, which allows a company’s travel bookers to search, book, and pay for trips on behalf of other employees, and business premium customer service. This will enable travel managers and the traveller to have seamless access to trip details, be able to modify reservations and message the Airbnb host with questions about the listing.
Airbnb for Work Asia-Pacific regional head Alvan Aiau Yong said the partnership ensures more Kiwi business travellers will be able to explore homes and boutique hotels with five-star ratings from business travellers. This works across more than 191 countries and regions including New Zealand, where the top five Airbnb for Work destinations are Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, Tauranga and Hamilton.
Aiau Yong said: “We know New Zealanders journey far and often for business, and with this new partnership, Orbit’s clients will have access to a cost-effective, innovative, flexible and seamless option for business travellers.
“Work-ready listings popular for business trips feature everything from designated desk and study areas, wifi and private bathrooms that offer all the essential amenities business travellers need to be productive and comfortable. There’s also the added benefit of listings with laundry facilities and fully-equipped kitchens, helping business travellers feel at home when on the road,” he added.
Lowry Gladwell, senior legal counsel at New Zealand point of sale software company, Vend, regularly uses Airbnb for Work and recently returned from a business trip to Vend’s North American offices.
Gladwell said: “I find Airbnb for Work particularly handy when I need to find somewhere to stay that’s near one of Vend’s five global offices. Airbnb listings generally have great wifi connections, which is crucial while I’m working away from home.
“They’re usually much bigger than standard hotel rooms and have a decent sized living room and outdoor areas, which makes a stay more comfortable,” added Gladwell.
Airbnb also offers opportunities for New Zealander businesses wanting to build morale and team building through its Experiences offering. The initiative offers educational and developmental opportunities in over 800 cities around the world in categories including wellness, team-building and social impact.
Orbit Wellington managing director Paul Rennie said: “We are always looking for new ways to make business travel easier and smarter. The partnership with Airbnb for Work reflects our continued dedication to providing our New Zealand clients with more choice and flexibility for their corporate accommodation requirements, with the added benefit of substantial cost savings.”
The University of Auckland has already started using Airbnb for Work through Orbit and staff have overwhelmingly embraced the offering, according to Airbnb.
Procurement category manager Fiona Moffatt said: “We’re always looking to procure safe, convenient and comfortable accommodation for staff whilst maintaining compliance to our Travel Policy.
“The use of Airbnb for Work enables us to achieve convenience and duty of care to our travellers as well as cost savings. Our travel requirements are such that it is not uncommon for travel to be within areas where traditional accommodation is scarce or not suitable which is the gap Airbnb for Work can help fill,” added Moffatt.
For more information on Airbnb for Work, visit the website here. For more information about Orbit World Travel, visit the website here.
