Journal of Tourism & Hospitality
Open Access

Abstract

Strangers in Spare Beds: Case Study of the International and Domestic Demand in Australia’s Peer-To-Peer Accommodation Sector

Renuka Mahadevan

This paper compares the socio demographic drivers and travel patterns of international and domestic tourists who chose peer-to-peer accommodation (P2PA) over traditional tourist accommodation. Using a nationwide survey on Australia, it was found that locational benefits may not be crucial for P2PA users as they are likely to use a travel vehicle and often are on a longer holiday. However, international tourists are likely to use P2PA in capital cities while domestic tourists use P2PA in regional areas. Females among international but not domestic visitors are likely P2PA users. While evidence on travel party composition and income is mixed for international and domestic visitors, generation X is however the likely group of P2PA users for both visitor types. By and large, P2PA users are not a homogenous group and this is an important marketing tool for both the traditional and P2PA sector.