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The Role of Authenticity in Airbnb Experiences

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Information and Communication Technologies in Tourism 2017

Abstract

Integrating the concept of perceived authenticity into a peer-to-peer accommodation setting, this study investigates its impact on tourists’ satisfaction and loyalty. Through an online survey among users of the popular peer-to-peer accommodation platform Airbnb, various factors which impact perceived authenticity were analysed using Structural Equation Modelling (SEM). Hospitality factors and service quality show to significantly impact tourists’ perceived level of authenticity. Self-congruence does not show to impact a peer-to-peer accommodation authentic experience. In addition, this study demonstrates the role of perceived authenticity as an important part of the peer-to-peer hosting experience leading to satisfaction. Furthermore, hosts are provided insights how to enhance tourists’ perceived authenticity and relive upon Airbnb’s authentic brand claim.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Tourism and Service Management, MODUL University Vienna, Vienna, Austria

    Lidija Lalicic

  2. Department of Applied Statistics and Economics, MODUL University Vienna, Vienna, Austria

    Christian Weismayer

Authors
  1. Lidija Lalicic
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  2. Christian Weismayer
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Correspondence to Lidija Lalicic .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Institute of Tourism, HES-SO Valais-Wallis, Sierre, Valais, Switzerland

    Roland Schegg

  2. School of Hospitality and Tourism Management, University of Surrey, Guildford, United Kingdom

    Brigitte Stangl

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Lalicic, L., Weismayer, C. (2017). The Role of Authenticity in Airbnb Experiences. In: Schegg, R., Stangl, B. (eds) Information and Communication Technologies in Tourism 2017. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-51168-9_56

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