In the evolving world of artificial intelligence, few industries have embraced technological transformation as rapidly as travel and hospitality. Yet even amid the global excitement surrounding generative AI, Airbnb CEO Brian Chesky is choosing a measured and strategic approach. In a recent interview, Chesky shared that while tools like ChatGPT have captured the world’s imagination, they are not yet ready for the scale, reliability, and complexity required to power a platform like Airbnb.

Chesky’s remarks come as Airbnb continues to strengthen its position as one of the most technology-driven companies in the travel sector. He revealed that instead of depending on a single large language model, Airbnb currently uses 13 different AI systems tailored to specific needs — from customer support and fraud detection to search optimization and personalized recommendations. This multi-model approach, according to Chesky, provides greater flexibility, efficiency, and resilience compared to relying solely on one AI framework.

Despite his caution, Chesky remains deeply optimistic about AI’s long-term potential. He believes that the technology will soon redefine how people plan, book, and experience travel. The goal, he said, is to make Airbnb an “AI-first company” — one that blends automation with human understanding. However, he emphasized that responsible integration matters more than early adoption. For a global platform that hosts millions of listings and users, precision, context-awareness, and reliability are essential. In Chesky’s view, generative AI like ChatGPT still has limitations in these areas.

Chesky also highlighted that Airbnb’s vision of AI goes beyond customer-facing tools. The company is actively exploring ways AI can empower hosts, helping them set competitive prices, enhance listings, manage guest communication, and create curated local experiences. The focus, he noted, is not to replace the human touch that defines Airbnb but to augment it through intelligent technology.

Airbnb’s strategy reflects a broader trend among forward-thinking companies that are adopting AI not for publicity, but for precision. As Chesky put it, the hype around generative AI must give way to sustainable innovation that delivers real value to users. This perspective underscores an important shift in the tech landscape — one where AI maturity, ethics, and adaptability will define the next phase of digital transformation.

By pacing its adoption, Airbnb is positioning itself for long-term success in an AI-driven future. Chesky’s approach reminds the tech world that innovation is not just about how fast you move — it’s about how wisely you build.