Peer to Peer Accommodation Networks: Pushing the Boundaries

Abstract

Peer-to-peer accommodation networks are pushing boundaries we did not even know existed. These networks have rocked the established accommodation sector, dramatically increasing the variety of accommodation options available to people around the world. Peer-to-Peer Accommodation Networks: Pushing the boundaries is the first book to provide an in-depth analysis of the business model of Airbnb, to discuss factors facilitating the transition of peer-to-peer networks from niche market to mainstream accommodation providers, and to predict that the next step of development for peer-to-peer accommodation networks will be to become online one-stop travel shops. Many other hot topics around peer-to-peer accommodation are discussed. Using her first-hand experience as a host on both traditional holiday accommodation webpages and peer-to-peer accommodation networks, respected tourism academic Sara Dolnicar and her fellow contributors examine possible reasons for the explosive success of peer-to-peer accommodation networks, investigate topics relating to peer-to-peer network accommodation which are less frequently discussed (such as charitable activities and social activism), and offer a future research agenda.