To be or to Not Airbnb: A Case Study of Residential Attitudes toward Short-Term Rentals in Charleston, S.C.
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Sobel, Reagan Nicole
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Abstract
Recent trends in the tourism industry have led to growing literature regarding the effect that short-term rentals have both on hotels and on residents in the community. In addition, residential impact studies are becoming more common in order to ensure the sustainability of tourist destinations, especially those that are home to a historic district. Drawing on a previous study by Harrill and Potts (2003), this research was focused on residential attitudes toward short-term rentals, in particular Airbnb, in Charleston, South Carolina, during a time of heavy debate. Through a survey of Charleston residents, this research aimed to determine attitudes toward the issue and provide new insight for future tourism planning. It was found that residents overall are fairly neutral about short-term rentals and feel that they should be legal with some regulations in place as to ensure the city does not lose its cultural and residential feel. It was also found that those who are strongly opinionated in one direction about Airbnb also tended to be opinionated in a similar way regarding other debated tourism issues.
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Airbnb, residential attitudes, sharing economy