Airbnb will boost its content marketing credentials with the launch of a high-end travel magazine called Pineapple.
The magazine will contain "deeply local" content about locations where Airbnb has a presence. The first 128-page issue will feature three cities popular with the Airbnb community – Seoul, San Francisco and London.
According to the New York Times, there will be no direct advertising for Airbnb in the magazine, for now, nor will the publication focus on any of the controversies dogging the service.
The service is currently being investigated in New York, where attorney general Eric Schneiderman examined four years of Airbnb data and concluded that three-quarters of rentals in the city are illegal.
He has contended that the majority of Airbnb operators are hosts who wish to operate as hotels without paying the mandatory tax.
Airbnb has pitched the magazine as "beyond" the current crop of travel magazines. Pineapple will cover culture, art, food and style and feature neighbourhood guides, insider tips and "personal stories".
The first issue will be distributed at Airbnb Open, the company's San Francisco event for hosts. It will also be available to buy for $12 in the U.S. £9 in the U.K. and €11 in Europe.
A spokeswoman for Airbnb told Marketing that the magazine is produced in-house and by freelance writers.
Jonathan Mildenhall, the chief marketing officer, said: "Travel is about more than sightseeing and consuming, it's about connections and community.
"Pineapple will combine the emotional and practical sides of travelling by giving a comprehensive guide to neighbourhoods and cities, as well as capturing the sense of belonging that comes from a memorable trip."
