The Airbnb phenomenon: the resident’s perspective
International Journal of Tourism Cities
ISSN: 2056-5607
Article publication date: 28 October 2019
Issue publication date: 25 February 2020
Abstract
Purpose
Media and academic attention on Airbnb focuses on user experiences, implications for traditional accommodation establishments and negative sociocultural impacts. The purpose of this paper is to explore the views of Barcelona residents who have been impacted by the proliferation of Airbnb rentals.
Design/methodology/approach
A qualitative approach was adopted, involving semi-structured interviews with residents of Barcelona.
Findings
It highlights the problem of unregistered Airbnb rentals throughout the city, carrying implications for the gentrification of neighbourhoods, the displacement of local residents and anti-social guest behaviour. This study points to a consequent rise in anti-tourist feeling. It also reveals that the authentic experience promised by the sharing economy is illusory.
Originality/value
This paper presents a model that highlights a clash between the vaunted benefits of the sharing economy for hosts and tourists and the negative implications for a city’s residents.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
In terms of contribution to the production of this paper, Steven Richards led the development of the introduction and literature review; Lorraine Brown wrote the methodology and most of the conclusion, and was responsible for the overall writing and flow of the paper; Alessandra Dilettso collected the data in Barcelona.
Citation
Richards, S., Brown, L. and Dilettuso, A. (2020), "The Airbnb phenomenon: the resident’s perspective", International Journal of Tourism Cities, Vol. 6 No. 1, pp. 8-26. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJTC-06-2019-0084
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2019, International Tourism Studies Association.