Qantas and Airbnb launch new partnership: Earn Qantas frequent flyer points when you book Airbnb accommodation

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Qantas Frequent Flyer members can now earn Qantas Points when they book an Airbnb accommodation through the airline's website.

Qantas says the partnership represents the first time Airbnb has worked with an airline to allow travellers to earn frequent flyer points from bookings.

Qantas' 11.4 million Frequent Flyer members will earn one point for every dollar they spend on any Airbnb accommodation listed on the airline's website.

The offering is indicative of a broader shift in the way Australians are travelling and how they plan their travels.

"The way that people around the world plan, book and experience travel is changing rapidly with the digital revolution," Qantas CEO Alan Joyce said in a statement on Tuesday.

"We know our many of our customers are just as likely to arrange an Airbnb as they are to book a hotel, and we wanted to recognise and reward them for that."

Airbnb promotes itself as offering an alternative form of accommodation for travellers beyond hotels and hostels, along with a cheaper price, the immersive experience of living like 'a local' and being able to rent out an entire home for a few days or months at a time.

See also: The 15 coolest properties on Airbnb

For all its positives, Airbnb has attracted criticism from locals with issues of noise and poor behaviour of Airbnb guests, and from hosts who've had their homes trashed.

But despite the criticisms, Airbnb has made an undeniable dent in the industry with some hotel chains strategically launching new brands to cater for this emerging market, including younger 'millennial travellers'. These travellers, according to the industry, are looking for a certain type of 'lifestyle' when they travel.

Europe's largest hotel group, Accor Hotels last month announced the launch of its new youth hostel brand Joe&Joe;, aimed at 'stylish' young adult travellers offering craft beer, yoga and music gigs.

Accor Hotels reportedly launched the hostel brand partly in response to the challenges posed by Airbnb and to leverage the spending power of young adults.

In 2014, Shangri La launched its spinoff Hotel Jen brand aimed at the 'millennial movement' providing traveller that local and authentic experience while in the bustle of Singapore. Guest staying at the hotel can wander local farmers' markets, be informed about smaller bespoke events and staff can provide tips on off-the-beaten-path sights and experiences.

Airbnb was founded by Brian Chesky and Joe Gebbia in 2008. The idea started when the pair, not being able to afford the rent in their San Francisco apartment, turned the living room into a bed and breakfast which they rented out to guests. The online business now has 2.5 million accommodation listings across 191 countries and 34,000 cities.

See also: How travel can change you for life

See also: Why Airbnb is more like a blind date than a traditional rental

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