Airbnb pairs with Samsung to put booking tools on Galaxy devices

An Airbnb app is displayed on a Samsung Galaxy smartphone / Courtesy of Airbnb

Airbnb is bringing its platform closer to travelers, from the moment they pick up their phones, partnering with Samsung Electronics to embed direct access on Galaxy devices, the company said Wednesday.

Airbnb said its service has been added to the quick access feature of Samsung Internet, the default browser on Galaxy smartphones, allowing users to reach the platform with a single tap.

The quick access menu is designed to display frequently visited or useful websites on the browser’s main screen, enabling faster navigation.

Airbnb said the integration is expected to significantly improve accessibility for users planning trips, allowing them to browse and book from millions of listings and experiences worldwide directly from the browser homepage.

The feature is available on Galaxy devices in 49 markets, including Korea. In its first month, the shortcut generated an average of tens of thousands of clicks per day, reflecting strong global user engagement.

Airbnb Korea said the collaboration focuses on improving accessibility from the earliest stages of travel planning.

“In Korea, where the Galaxy ecosystem is firmly established, this marks a meaningful step toward bringing Airbnb closer to users,” said Seo Ga-yeon, country manager of Airbnb Korea.

“We will continue to expand partnerships with various domestic partners to provide easier and more convenient travel experiences while strengthening connections within the local travel ecosystem,” she added.

Airbnb has been broadening partnerships in Korea to enhance user convenience, and introducing promotional benefits tied to first-time bookings last year.

This article was published with the assistance of generative AI and edited by The Korea Times.