As a disruptive innovator, Airbnb has developed its reputation on the premise that its accommodation
offerings provide the out-of-town visitor an ‘authentically’ local experience. How does Airbnb enable this
‘authentic’ experience of culture? What effect does this authenticity have on commodification of hospitality?
Your essay should comprise three distinct parts:
a) A brief introduction to Airbnb, the services it offers, and your position on Airbnb’s effect on
commodification of hospitality.
b) The ways in which Airbnb delivers or facilitates ‘authentic’ experiences.
c) The effect Airbnb has had on commodification of hospitality.
Conclude your essay reiterating your view on the magnitude of Airbnb’s impact on the accommodations
sector.
You should make use of your own research on Airbnb, knowledge gained from classes, as well as other
academic research to support information presented. Your essay should be well-referenced, using a mix of
industry sources (including Airbnb’s website), academic books and research journal articles.