Airbnb impact and regulation issues through destination life cycle concept

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to re-establish the role of Airbnb platform in the contemporary tourism destination management. Given the fact that sharing economy is mega-trend with various impacts at any destination, the paper’s purpose is to underline that sharing economy platforms, such as Airbnb, has a different impact on each stage of destination’s life cycle. Given this, a more effective strategy and policies plan should be deployed and implemented, expanding the benefits of multiplying and accelerating effects on local economy. Design/methodology/approach The neologisms of “Over-tourism” and “Tourism-phobia” and the growing conflicts between locals and tourist, along with various collateral implications in local economy, were the initial incentive to focus on the subject. The methodology was based on the critical approach of regulatory measures taken in destinations with different characteristics. Findings Findings indicate that general and nationwide restrictions on Airbnb are often unfounded, mainly based on bias against its impact on traditional hotels and local lifestyle preservation, rather than concrete and objective impact measurements. Research limitations/implications A primary qualitative and quantitative research should follow the concept of association between destination’s life cycle and sharing economy applications, for authorities to form the appropriate regulatory framework. Originality/value The paper associates the implications of sharing economy with the stages of destinations life cycle, underlying that measures need to be customized to the specific characteristics of each destination.