The blurred line: Does Airbnb fit into the Collaborative Economy model?

Abstract

[eng] Even though the biggest changes occurred already in the last century, the world is constantly changing and new concepts are developed and have to be defined. Collaborating, sharing, working in team are current trends and, thus, tourism seeks to fit in this new scope. The traveller, now, does not want to have traditional holidays, but a unique experience. The online platform Airbnb was born with the idea of providing an easy allocation to those who wanted to get to know the local life of the inhabitants. Airbnb defines itself within this scope, within Collaborative Economy; therefore, it could be considered that the users of this platform want to foster the new tourism: sharing and collaboration rather than making money through a business. However, Airbnb is one of the richest companies, what means that there is an economic purpose behind this platform. The users, both hosts and guests, and the company have their own goals and reasons, but these may not conform the original idea of Collaborative Economy.