Meet the Hospitality CEO Who Embraces Airbnb
Photo Credit: A one-bedroom suite at the AKA Wall Street. The serviced residence brand is partnering with Airbnb to build up Airbnb's inventory of more professional accommodations. AKA
Skift Take
In addition to dreaming up new hotel brands, we're surprised more hotel companies aren't thinking of launching more of their own serviced residence brands — or buying up others.
Even as more hotel companies like Marriott, Hyatt, and AccorHotels are entering the homesharing space, the traditional hotel industry has generally been at odds with the homesharing giant Airbnb.
But for one hospitality CEO, Airbnb isn't a foe — it's a partner, and a crucial key player that can help him and his industry — the serviced apartment sector — continue to grow.
Larry Korman, president of Philadelphia-based AKA and co-CEO of Korman Communities, described his own brand, AKA, as one that "balances the intimate services of the boutique hotel with the spaciousness and comfort of a luxury condominium." But he said it can often be challenging to not only distinguish the differences between serviced residences and other types of accommodations, but to also have consumer awareness of the category.
[caption id="attachment_295200" align="alignright" width="185"] Larry Korman, president of AKA and co-CEO of Korman Communities. Source: AKA[/caption]
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