The Relationship Between Airbnb Hosting and Local Tourism

Airbnb is a global platform that allows people to list their homes for short-term rental. Since its inception in 2008, Airbnb has grown rapidly and now has over 4 million listings in over 220 countries. Airbnb has been credited with changing the way people travel, and it has also had a significant impact on local tourism.

The Benefits of Airbnb for Local Tourism

Airbnb can provide a number of benefits for local tourism, including:

• Increased tourism revenue: Airbnb can help to increase tourism revenue by providing visitors with an affordable alternative to hotels. This can be especially beneficial for destinations that are not well-served by traditional hotels.
• Extended visitor stays: Airbnb guests tend to stay longer than hotel guests, which can help to boost tourism revenue.
• Increased economic activity: Airbnb can help to increase economic activity in local communities by providing jobs for local residents and by supporting local businesses.
• Improved tourism experiences: Airbnb guests can have more authentic experiences by staying in local homes and interacting with local residents.

The Challenges of Airbnb for Local Tourism

Airbnb can also pose a number of challenges for local tourism, including:

• Increased housing costs: Airbnb can lead to increased housing costs for local residents, as landlords may raise rents in order to take advantage of the demand for Airbnb rentals.
• Displacement of local businesses: Airbnb can lead to the displacement of local businesses, as tourists may choose to stay in Airbnb rentals instead of hotels or other local businesses.
• Increased traffic congestion: Airbnb can lead to increased traffic congestion, as tourists may drive to and from Airbnb rentals.
• Loss of community character: Airbnb can lead to the loss of community character, as Airbnb rentals can change the character of neighborhoods and displace long-term residents.

The Impact of Airbnb on Local Tourism

The impact of Airbnb on local tourism is complex and there is no single answer to the question of whether Airbnb is good or bad for tourism. However, there is a growing body of research that suggests that Airbnb can have both positive and negative impacts on local tourism.

Ultimately, the impact of Airbnb on local tourism will depend on a number of factors, including the specific context of the destination and the way in which Airbnb is regulated.

Conclusion

Airbnb is a powerful tool that can be used to promote local tourism. However, it is important to be aware of the potential challenges and to manage Airbnb in a way that minimizes negative impacts and maximizes positive impacts.

By understanding the relationship between Airbnb and local tourism, destinations can make informed decisions about how to regulate Airbnb and ensure that it benefits their local communities.

References

• Airbnb Impact Report (2020). Airbnb. Retrieved from https://www.airbnb.com/impact/
• Davidson, C., & Infranca, J. (2018). Airbnb: The disruptive innovation in the hotel industry. Cornell Hospitality Quarterly, 59(1), 89-104.
• Gurran, N., & Phibbs, P. (2017). The sharing economy and the future of cities. Cities, 64, 14-21.
• Guttentag, D. (2015). Airbnb: The impact of peer-to-peer accommodation on the hotel industry. Journal of Travel Research, 54(5), 529-543.
• McNeill, D., & Moore, K. (2017). Airbnb and the sharing economy: A review of the literature. Current Issues in Tourism, 20(10), 1009-1029.