Is the sharing economy for all?: an answer based on neighbourhoods, types of hosts, and user complaints

Abstract

Sharing/platform economy takes place when users offer products and services through online platforms. In the case of tourism, the terms collaborative tourism and sharing (peer-to-peer) accommodations are commonly used. Since providing services through online platforms can be done by anyone without specific qualifications, it has been stated that the sharing economy is accessible to everyone who has goods to share or spare time available. Although this is true from a generic perspective, not all available offers receive the same attention from consumers. This research uses a dataset with all the properties offered in Spain on Airbnb to analyse differences in prices, demand, and guest satisfaction. It considers factors including neighbourhoods, and on whether the host is an amateur or a professional. The research also analyses the contents of user complaints. Results show that the platform economy is less egalitarian than some discourses about this economy suggest.