Chapter Title and Abstract
Part One: Understanding Change
The Sharing Economy & Tourism: An Introduction to the P2P Accommodation Sector
This chapter presents the rationale for compiling this book and will conclude with an overview of the scope and structure of the book.
When, Why & How: The Growth of Airbnb Around the World
Chapter 2 provides insights into the broader context of current discourses on the Airbnb manifestation globally.
Part Two: Western Australia – A Case in Point
Western Australia – Background & Context
Chapter 3 provides information on the broader Western Australian context, a snapshot of the state’s visitor economy as well as an overview of the debates surrounding the sharing economy and a brief history of the Airbnb phenomenon in Western Australia.
Concerns & Hopes of Stakeholders
Chapter 4 presents the findings of stakeholder interviews, capturing main concerns and perceived benefits of Airbnb in Western Australia. A diverse range of and sometimes controversial opinions were voiced reflecting different expectations, perceived benefits and concerns by the interviewed stakeholders from industry and government.
Airbnb Demand in Western Australia
The purpose of Chapter 5 is to explore the characteristics of Airbnb users in Western Australia (WA) compared to Airbnb non-users among visitors to Western Australia, and to understand whether and how they differ from each other.
Airbnb Supply in Western Australia
Chapter 6 explores the supply characteristics of Airbnb delivered offerings in Western Australia. To better understand the extent and impact of Airbnb, a number of indicators were extracted from online data, such as the number, types and distribution of Airbnb properties as well as occupancy rate, price per night and the estimated income for hosts.
Part Three: Managing Change
Managing/Governance of change: Theoretical approaches and practical challenges
Regulatory Approaches – International Case Examples
Around the world, governments are responding to the Airbnb phenomenon in a variety of ways. Some are deliberately refraining from proactive agency completely, or at least until a regulatory and governance framework has been established or public consultation has concluded. Others have banned short-term leasing of residential accommodation, or restricted the number of days allowed, with and without registration requirements.
Chapter 7 captures destination governance and tourism policy responses in nine international destinations (London, New York, San Francisco, Barcelona, Rome, Berlin, Hong Kong, Amsterdam and Singapore) with the aim to not only contribute to a better understanding of different response strategies but also to explore instruments that have been applied to deal with the phenomenon of private short term rentals like Airbnb.
A Policy Framework to Deal with Airbnb
Based on the analysis presented in Chapter 7, Chapter 8 introduces a policy toolbox model that offers an overview of different instruments that are available for governments to deal with a private short-term rental phenomenon like Airbnb. This policy matrix can assist governments in better understanding the different response strategies and might also guide decision makers in finding an appropriate approach to dealing with the Airbnb phenomenon in their respective jurisdiction.
Disruptive Innovation - Looking Forward
In the final chapter we will synthesise theoretical and practical contributions and conclusions drawn from Western Australia and experiences around the world.
