Are AI Agents Replacing Google? Airbnb CEO Says Not So Fast
Travel, tech, and artificial intelligence are all rapidly converging, but despite the rise of powerful AI agents, they are not yet a substitute for Google—at least according to Airbnb CEO Brian Chesky. During Airbnb’s second-quarter 2025 earnings call, Chesky addressed a hot question many are asking: are AI chatbots becoming the “new Google”? His short answer: no, not yet. While AI agents are transforming how companies interact with users and access information, they haven't reached the level of trust, accuracy, or ubiquity that traditional search engines like Google have built over decades. The focus keyword AI agents aren’t the new Google is at the heart of this conversation, especially as businesses explore their future roles in AI-powered ecosystems.
Image Credits:Gerald Matzka / Stringer/ Getty Images
AI Agents Aren’t the New Google: Why Search Still Matters
The bold claim that AI agents aren’t the new Google rests on more than just opinion. Chesky points out a critical difference: proprietary power. Google's search engine is fueled by proprietary algorithms, unmatched data sets, and decades of user interaction data. AI agents like ChatGPT, while powerful, are still built on models that are widely accessible and not exclusive to any one platform. This openness means that companies like Airbnb—and even startups—can tap into the same foundational AI tools. However, that also means AI chatbots currently lack the unique edge that made Google indispensable. The consistency, reliability, and trust users place in traditional search engines are still unmatched. AI chatbots, on the other hand, often return answers that feel conversational but may lack depth, accuracy, or updated relevance.
Moreover, the experience of searching for travel accommodations, local recommendations, or planning complex itineraries is still largely driven by search engines. Users want comprehensive options, verified reviews, and SEO-optimized listings. While AI can summarize and recommend, it doesn’t always guide users to booking or action. That’s why companies like Airbnb continue to see Google as an irreplaceable channel for referrals and discovery—something AI agents haven’t fully replicated yet.
Custom AI, Not General AI, Will Drive Business Value
According to Chesky, AI agents aren’t the new Google because they are not yet refined enough for specialized applications. Instead of focusing on general AI tools, Airbnb is leaning toward building custom AI interfaces that are finely tuned for their unique service experience. As he explained, it's not about having the best model—it's about how you use and fine-tune that model for a particular task. This reflects a growing trend in the AI landscape: vertical AI. Companies are investing in purpose-built AI that can solve domain-specific problems more effectively than a general chatbot.
Consider the complexity of matching travelers with hosts, understanding user preferences, and curating personalized experiences. These tasks require more than basic Q&A from a chatbot—they demand real-time data integration, contextual understanding, and user trust. Airbnb is betting on custom applications that plug into general models but are optimized for travel-specific queries. That might mean an AI concierge inside the Airbnb app that helps plan stays, coordinate check-ins, or provide local tips—all with a voice or chat interface. But it won’t look or function like Google Search.
AI Agents Will Complement Search—Not Replace It (Yet)
It’s tempting to think that AI chatbots will eventually replace search engines, but the current reality is more nuanced. While AI agents are becoming more common, they are best used as complementary tools—not full substitutes. Businesses are realizing that AI chat interfaces can engage users in new ways, streamline support, and personalize experiences. But when it comes to the power of search—where users explore, compare, and click through hundreds of options—Google still reigns supreme.
Chesky's commentary is both a reality check and a roadmap. His stance that AI agents aren’t the new Google doesn’t mean AI lacks value—it means we’re still learning how to use it best. For now, companies should embrace AI’s strengths in automation, personalization, and interaction—while continuing to optimize for SEO and traditional discovery channels. The future likely holds a hybrid model where AI agents and search engines work hand in hand to help users make smarter, faster decisions. But that future isn’t here just yet.
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