Examining ‘Space’ in Peer-to-Peer Accommodation Settings

Authors

  • Anna Farmaki Department of Hotel and Tourism Management Faculty of Management and Economics Cyprus University of Technology
  • Prokopis Christou Department of Hotel and Tourism Management Faculty of Management and Economics Cyprus University of Technology

Keywords:

peer-to-peer accommodation, space, Airbnb, hosts, guests

Abstract

By offering visitors the opportunity of an alternative accommodation experience, Peer-to-Peer (P2P) accommodation has contributed to the popularity of commercialised homes as a more authentic accommodation setting.  Surprisingly, the concept of ‘space’ within P2P accommodation has received minimal academic attention.  Utilising Lefebvre’s (1974) theory of the production of space and Foucault’s (1986) notion of heterotopias, this research note aims to advance understanding on how space is reproduced and interpreted within P2P accommodation; thereby, influencing the practice of both P2P accommodation hosts and guests.  Drawing from Airbnb host and guest perceptions and experiences, we offer insights on how a private space is formed and reproduced to serve commercial purposes through a process of continuous negotiation whereby physical, social and symbolic spatial dimensions are attributed and arranged to inform the sharing practice between hosts and guests. 

Author Biographies

Anna Farmaki, Department of Hotel and Tourism Management Faculty of Management and Economics Cyprus University of Technology

Anna Farmaki is a Lecturer in Tourism Management at the School of Management and Economics at the Cyprus University of Technology.  Her research interests lie in the areas of tourism planning and development and tourist behaviour. 

Prokopis Christou, Department of Hotel and Tourism Management Faculty of Management and Economics Cyprus University of Technology

Prokopis Christou is a Lecturer at the School of Management and Economics at the Cyprus University of Technology.  His research interests are concerned with tourism sustainability and the tourist psychological and spiritual experience.

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Published

2019-01-30

How to Cite

Farmaki, A. and Christou, P. (2019) “Examining ‘Space’ in Peer-to-Peer Accommodation Settings”, e-Review of Tourism Research, 16(2/3). Available at: https://ertr-ojs-tamu.tdl.org/ertr/article/view/316 (Accessed: 28 March 2024).

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