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Airbnb Partnerships: Opportunities, Key Players, and How to Get Involved
Let's recap what you probably already know. Airbnb has grown from a small startup into one of the biggest names in travel, with 7.7 million listings across 220+ countries and regions. On any given day, six guests check into an Airbnb every second, proving just how massive its reach has become. With more than one million Superhosts and billions in bookings flowing through the platform each year, Airbnb has built an ecosystem that touches hosts, guests, property managers, and global brands.
But behind that success lies a key ingredient: collaboration.
By teaming up with property management systems, boutique hotels, tourism boards, and even global organizations like FIFA, Airbnb has grown smarter, not just bigger. These alliances build trust with guests, fuel innovation through new technologies, and make it easier for Airbnb to expand into new markets while keeping the personal touch that travellers expect.
For hosts and property managers, this isn’t just background noise; it’s an opportunity, because strategic alliances can mean more visibility, less manual work, and higher earnings. From co-hosts who act like additional employees to tech integrations that automate pricing and bookings, Airbnb’s network of collaborators creates real advantages for those who are ready to engage and grow.
We’ll break down Airbnb’s key players, how they work, and how you can join in.
Does Airbnb Have Any Partnerships?
The short answer is yes – lots of them. Collaborations have become one of Airbnb’s main strategies for growth and innovation, connecting the platform with industries from technology to tourism. These initiatives aren’t just about advertising or brand awareness – they’re about making the hosting and travel experience smoother for everyone involved.
For example, Airbnb has partnered with FIFA in a multi-tournament alliance to connect fans with unique accommodations around the world. It has also launched a Global Hotel Technology Collaboration to help boutique hotels and bed-and-breakfasts integrate seamlessly with Airbnb’s booking system. And in real estate, Airbnb works with developers through its Airbnb-Friendly Apartments initiative, encouraging the design of buildings that support both long-term tenants and short-term rentals.
Airbnb also collaborates with tourism boards and city councils, providing services like local market planning, compliance support, and training courses for hosts. These partnerships extend Airbnb’s ability to enter new regions while leaving a positive mark on local economies.
What’s clear is that Airbnb’s relationships are diverse and intentional. Whether it’s working with global organizations, local governments, or technology providers, Airbnb is building a broad ecosystem where hosts, property managers, and travellers all benefit. For hosts especially, these collaborations mean more tools, more support, and opportunities to connect with guests on a global scale.
Types of Airbnb Partnerships
Airbnb’s network covers a wide range, from cutting-edge technology providers to global organizations. These connections are designed to support both the platform’s growth and the success of individual hosts.
1. Technology & Property Management Systems (PMS)
Technology is the backbone of scaling a hosting business, and Airbnb works with trusted PMS providers to streamline operations. A strong PMS helps hosts automate guest messaging, sync calendars across multiple platforms, handle payments, and monitor performance in real time.
As an Airbnb Preferred+ Partner, at iGMS we offer full integration with Airbnb, plus advanced services like automated guest communication, unified inbox, AI-powered tools, and financial reporting. For hosts, this means saving time, avoiding mistakes, and creating a more professional guest experience – all while boosting occupancy and profits.
2. Hospitality & Accommodation Alliances
Airbnb also works with boutique hotels, B&Bs, and unique stays to expand its offering beyond traditional rentals. Through global hotel technology programs, small hospitality businesses can connect directly with Airbnb’s system, increasing their visibility and attracting new visitors who want alternative accommodations. These collaborations allow travellers to explore more unique stays and give businesses the ability to extend their reach.
3. Real Estate Collaborations
In recent years, Airbnb has launched initiatives with real estate developers to create “Airbnb-friendly apartments”. These properties allow tenants to legally host part-time with the support of property owners and clear guidelines. This bridges the gap between traditional real estate and flexible, modern living. It also gives property managers the ability to plan for steady income streams while opening the door for tenants to cover pay-related expenses like rent.
4. Event & Tourism Connections
On the global stage, Airbnb teams up with organizations like FIFA and local tourism boards to make accommodation more accessible during major events. These collaborations not only support tourism but also give hosts the chance to benefit from seasonal spikes in demand. For example, during large sporting events, travellers visit cities in record numbers, creating new income opportunities for hosts.
Together, these categories form a powerful ecosystem. From tech integrations that make hosting easier to real estate initiatives that broaden the guest pool, Airbnb’s collaborations are designed to drive growth and open future opportunities. For property managers, aligning with Airbnb through a Preferred+ PMS like iGMS is one of the smartest ways to join this network and stay ahead.
Who Are the Key Partners of Airbnb?
Airbnb’s success isn’t built in isolation – it’s built on a network of collaborators that strengthen the platform and improve the experience for both hosts and guests.
Property Management Systems (PMS)
At the heart of Airbnb’s hosting ecosystem are PMS providers, which give hosts and property managers the ability to run their businesses efficiently. As an Airbnb Preferred+ Partner, we at iGMS are part of this trusted network.
Through our direct integration with Airbnb, we help Airbnb hosts automate guest messaging, manage multiple listings, set dynamic pricing strategies, and track performance with advanced reporting. Our role is to save hosts time, reduce stress, and give them the tools to grow their rental income – all while creating a better guest journey from booking to checkout.
Tourism Boards and Local Governments
Airbnb also works closely with tourism organizations and city councils. These collaborations focus on compliance with local regulations, promoting sustainable travel practices, and ensuring that short-term rentals make a positive contribution to local economies.
Real Estate Developers
Airbnb’s real estate program brings developers into the fold, creating Airbnb-friendly apartment buildings. This opens up new ways for long-term tenants to engage with the platform and property owners to extend their revenue opportunities.
Global Brands and Event Organizations
High-profile alliances like Airbnb’s partnership with FIFA show the platform’s global reach. These projects allow hosts to welcome new visitors and benefit when demand surges during cultural or sporting events.
Airbnb Preferred Partner Program Explained
One of Airbnb’s most important initiatives is the Preferred Partner Program. This program highlights PMS and software providers that meet Airbnb’s highest standards for performance, reliability, and innovation. For hosts, it’s like a seal of approval – showing which tools are most trusted to support professional hosting.
To qualify, partners must meet strict technical benchmarks from seamless API connections to proven uptime, reliability, and excellent support. Airbnb doesn’t hand out this recognition lightly – it’s reserved for collaborators who consistently deliver value to hosts and align with Airbnb’s vision for the future of professional hosting.
As a Preferred+ Partner, we at iGMS are part of this select group. Our integration with Airbnb allows hosts to automate guest messaging, optimize pricing, manage multiple listings, and access advanced reports – all from one place. Choosing a Preferred+ Partner like us means you can explore growth with confidence, knowing your operations are backed by tools Airbnb itself has vetted and trusted.
The 80/20 Rule for Airbnb
The 80/20 rule, or Pareto Principle, states that 80% of results come from 20% of efforts. In Airbnb hosting, this shows up everywhere. A small number of listings generate most bookings, and a handful of strategies drive most of the growth.
Airbnb applies this same thinking to its collaborations, focusing on the connections that deliver the most impact. That’s why the Preferred+ Partner Program exists: to highlight the select group of PMS providers that make the biggest difference for hosts.
We see this principle every day at iGMS. Many of our hosts find that just a few key automations – like guest messaging, dynamic pricing, and supplies management – save them hours a week and boost performance. By focusing on the right 20% of tools, hosts unlock the 80% of results that matter: higher occupancy, better reviews, and more revenue.
How to Find an Airbnb Partner
Finding the right collaborator depends on what you need as a host.
- For individual hosts, adding a co-host can feel like having another employee. Co-hosts help with guest communication, check-ins, or day-to-day maintenance. Airbnb’s co-hosting feature makes it easy to officially partner with someone you trust.
- For property managers and professional hosts, the bigger opportunity comes through technology. This is where we come in. As an Airbnb Preferred+ Partner, iGMS provides an all-in-one PMS that integrates directly with Airbnb. With us, you can automate messaging, sync calendars, manage payments, track expenses, and even plan for future performance—all from one dashboard.
- For businesses and organizations, Airbnb also offers larger-scale collaborations, from real estate development to tourism initiatives. These require direct application and are typically for companies looking to engage at scale and leave their mark in the industry, including managing neighbor relations and minimizing complaints.
Guidelines & Resources for Potential Partners
Airbnb has built its reputation on trust, consistency, and innovation, which means not every applicant becomes a formal partner.
- For technology providers, Airbnb requires seamless integration, high uptime, reliable support, and tools that genuinely enhance hosting. That’s why the Preferred+ Partner Program exists: to highlight companies like us at iGMS that meet and exceed these expectations.
- For real estate and hospitality groups, Airbnb looks for projects that align with local laws and support the community. Developers can find more information on Airbnb’s Real Estate Partnerships page.
- For hosts and managers, the best resources are Airbnb’s Help Center, community forums, and partner directories. But you don’t have to go it alone. As a Preferred+ Partner, we make the process easy by giving you ready-to-go tools that meet Airbnb’s requirements and simplify your hosting journey.
At the end of the day, collaborations are about building trust and delivering value. Whether you’re an individual host or a growing property management company, following Airbnb’s guidelines and working with approved partners like us is the fastest way to grow into the future.
Wrapping Up
Alliances are what make Airbnb’s global network tick, connecting technology, real estate, tourism, and more to create opportunities for hosts and trust for guests.
For hosts and property managers, the right support means less manual work, more visibility, and stronger profits. That’s what we deliver at iGMS.
As an Airbnb Preferred+ Partner, we give you the tools to automate, engage, and scale. Explore how the right connection can transform your hosting business.
