Risk Perceptions among Potential Airbnb Hosts

Abstract

Airbnb has taken advantage of recent technological advances to emerge as a disruptive innovation in the tourism and hotel industry. Attracting millions of customers annually, it is present in over 65,000 cities in 191 countries. Its rapid success has attracted research, most focused on guests and their intention to use or recommend the service. This study assesses perceived risk among Airbnb hosts, focusing on hosts’ perception of risks related to services offered, finances, safety and security, and psychological, political, and privacy issues. Ease of use is considered among factors that determine hosts’ adoption intention. A survey of young adults in Dubai revealed a positive correlation between adoption intention and financial risk and time concern, and a negative correlation between safety and security risk, psychological, political, privacy risks, ease of adoption, and adoption intention. This study informs Airbnb management of concerns that might affect business continuity and recommends strategies to address the issues.