UniTalks is a lunchtime series that gives you the chance to discover and discuss interesting projects going on at the University.
How has the rise of short-term rentals reshaped our communities? This February, join Dr. Thomas Sigler as he takes a big-picture approach to the Airbnb phenomenon.
Abstract
Airbnb and other short-term rental platforms have radically reoriented the accommodation market around the world. Airbnb alone has more than 7 million listings worldwide—more rooms than the world’s top hotel brands combined. Unlike hotels, however, short-term rental properties come in a variety of forms, including residential dwellings initially purposed for long-term accommodation. This creates tensions in the community, both from the perspective of planning for tourism and visitation, as well as in ensuring that short-term rentals fit comfortably within the local accommodation landscape. This presentation takes a big-picture approach to short-term rentals, providing multiple perspectives on how the ‘Airbnb phenomenon’ can be understood, with suggestions for policy and planning. Evidence from Australia is drawn from Dr Sigler’s work over nearly a decade of studying short-term rentals in the Australian context, including commentary on the potential long-term implications of shifts during the pandemic.
Dr Thomas Sigler is a Guest Professor in Geography at the University of Luxembourg, and an Associate Professor of Human Geography at The University of Queensland. He has published more than 100 scientific publications, with a focus on cities and globalisation.