Percepción de los anfitriones de Airbnb y vecinos sobre la regulación y los flujos de huéspedes en la oferta de los alojamientos temporales en Cuenca, Ecuador

Abstract

This research study seeks to analyze the perception of hosts of temporary Airbnbtype accommodations and their neighbors in Cuenca about regulation and guest flows, identifying consensus and tensions. To this end, three stages have been completed, first, to understand the collaborative economy, temporary accommodation, urban regulation and social perceptions of residential tourism from a theoretical perspective, second, to describe the characteristics of hosts and neighbors, as well as their experiences and opinions regarding regulation and guest flows in their neighborhoods or buildings, third, To analyze the differences and convergences in the perceptions between hosts and neighbors, and their relationship with factors such as level of normative knowledge, intensity of guest flow and neighborhood coexistence. The study adopts a qualitative, descriptive and cross-sectional methodological approach, based on grounded theory, through semi-structured interviews, non-participant observation and documentary analysis, aimed at six hosts of Airbnb-type platforms, seven neighbors residing in areas where these accommodations operate, three representatives of the hotel sector, three authorities (Municipal Council, Tourism Foundation for Cuenca and Ministry of Production, Foreign Trade and Investments (former Ministry of Tourism), an academic specializing in architectural heritage and a representative of Airbnb hosts. In conclusion, the study shows the need for a regulation adapted to the local reality that promotes a balance between the development of temporary accommodation, neighborhood coexistence and the benefits that this activity brings to tourism and the economy of the city.