Airbnb knows it can’t grow without its hosts. The platform is making a strategic shift after years of criticism for favoring guests and leaving hosts frustrated by policy decisions. Instead of top-down directives, Airbnb is placing trusted hosts at the center of its community-building efforts.
Two key initiatives—the 2025 Host Advisory Board (HAB) and the “Tips from Top Hosts” Ad Campaign—are designed to strengthen Airbnb’s relationship with hosts, attract new ones, and retain existing pros. By turning Superhosts and HAB members into advisors and advocates, Airbnb is betting that a peer-driven system will keep hosts engaged, profitable, and loyal.
Airbnb Host Advisory Board (HAB) 2025
Why the HAB Exists
The Host Advisory Board (HAB) was launched in 2021 to address growing concerns among hosts about Airbnb’s unilateral decision-making. Many hosts felt unheard, especially after Airbnb’s forced cancellations and refunds during the early days of COVID-19. The HAB was created to give hosts a direct line to Airbnb leadership and ensure their voices shape future policies.
Every year, a new cohort of hosts is selected for the board. These members represent diverse markets, property types, and hosting styles. Their role? To provide feedback, test new features, and advocate for hosts at the highest levels of Airbnb.
Why Should Property Managers Care About the HAB?
At first glance, the HAB might seem geared toward individual, hands-on hosts rather than professional property managers. But its impact goes much deeper.
Here’s why it matters to you:
- Influence on Policies That Impact Your Business – HAB members provide direct feedback on Airbnb’s policies like cancellation policies, payout timelines, and platform regulations. If Airbnb adjusts these based on host feedback, it could impact how and when property managers get paid, how bookings are handled, and what operational changes are required.
- Early Access to Platform Changes – HAB members get insights into upcoming Airbnb updates before they go live. While this doesn’t mean non-members are left in the dark, it allows the most engaged hosts to prepare their businesses ahead of policy shifts, a significant advantage in a fast-changing market.
- Increased visibility as a trusted Airbnb ambassador – Board members receive a Host Advisory Board badge, highlighting their role and distinguishing them as leaders within the Airbnb community.
Pro Tip: Keep tabs on HAB-driven changes and prepare to adjust policies or processes to stay ahead of Airbnb’s evolving guidelines.
Who’s on the 2025 Board?
This year’s board includes 23 hosts from 17 countries, each with a unique hosting story. Here are some of the names, Andrea Henderson (USA) Annik Rauh (Germany), Arturo Blas (Argentina), Dandara Buarque (Brazil), and more
How Airbnb Is Using Its New “Tips from Top Hosts” Ads to Strengthen Host Retention
Alongside the HAB, Airbnb launched the “Tips from Top Hosts” campaign to educate and retain hosts by sharing advice from Superhosts. These short video ads cover everything from dynamic pricing to guest experience tips, offering practical insights that keep hosts engaged and profitable.
By featuring Superhosts, Airbnb positions them as mentors, using their success stories to build credibility and loyalty among hosts. This strategy also promotes long-term retention by showing that hosting success is achievable.
What This Ad Covers:
When demand is high, it’s an opportunity to maximize earnings—but how you handle pricing, availability, and listing appeal makes all the difference.
- Price Smartly – Superhosts talk about adjusting pricing dynamically based on demand. If bookings are surging, gradually increasing rates instead of locking in a set price can help maximize revenue.
- Know Your Market’s Peak Times – Successful hosts discuss how understanding local events, school holidays, and tourist seasons helps them adjust their pricing and minimum-stay policies strategically.
Why It Matters for Property Managers:
This reinforces the importance of pricing automation tools like dynamic pricing software to capture peak demand effectively.
What This Ad Covers:
Superhosts share tips for keeping bookings steady even in slow seasons.
- Be Flexible with Pricing – When demand dips, adjusting your rates based on similar listings can make your property more competitive.
- Improve Your Listing Appeal – If bookings are down, refresh your listing photos, tweak descriptions, and highlight off-season perks.
Why It Matters for Property Managers:
Professional hosts should focus on adjusting marketing strategies in slow periods, leveraging direct bookings, and optimizing pricing strategies to maintain occupancy.
What This Ad Covers:
Peak season is make-or-break for many hosts, Airbnb’s Superhosts explain how they maximize bookings and profits during the busiest times.
- Calendar Management – Superhosts stress opening updates well in advance to secure high-value bookings early.
- Providing a Standout Guest Experience – Happy guests leave better reviews, which drives more bookings during peak season. Superhosts recommend small touches like welcome baskets or local recommendations.
Why It Matters for Property Managers:
This underscores the need for strong pre-season marketing, and offering unique guest experiences to stand out.
What This Ad Covers:
Earning the Superhost badge isn’t just about recognition, it can boost visibility and increase bookings.
- Consistently Deliver Five-Star Experiences – Superhosts explain that quick response times, cleanliness, and great communication are non-negotiables for Superhost status.
- Offer Competitive Pricing & Flexible Cancellation Policies – Listings with clear, guest-friendly policies often rank better and get more bookings.
Why It Matters for Property Managers:
For professional operators, maintaining high response rates, positive guest experiences, and competitive pricing strategies is crucial for building long-term credibility and attracting direct bookings.
What Property Managers Can Learn from Airbnb’s New Host Retention Strategy
Airbnb is positioning hosts as trusted voices within the community. By featuring Superhosts in its ads and giving HAB members a seat at the table, Airbnb is creating an ecosystem where hosts support and guide each other. This peer-driven approach builds loyalty, fosters engagement, and ensures hosts feel valued.
- Your expertise is valuable. Airbnb is showcasing hosts as industry leaders, property managers should do the same.
- Emphasize community engagement. Airbnb is leveraging its network of hosts to strengthen trust, property managers can apply the same strategy by building relationships within the STR community.
- While this strategy benefits Airbnb, it also highlights the growing importance of host-driven knowledge-sharing, something property managers can leverage to their advantage.
