A case study of resource consumption in the sharing economy: airbnb as tourist accommodation in Cape Town, South Africa

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2019

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Prinsloo, Ariel Sarah

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Abstract

Present day South Africa is faced with climatic uncertainty, financial instability and growing water and electricity crises. The introduction of a growing sharing economy, which boasts ideals of reduced consumption and sustainability has become a new niche within the economy of South Africa. As part of the sharing economy, Airbnb is increasingly being used as tourism accommodation. In addition, Airbnb has recently been introduced in Cape Town as alternative tourism accommodation and is growing exponentially in this tourism hub. In the midst of this, Cape Town has been affected by a severe three-year drought from 2015-2017, restricting water usage for all residents and tourists. Through Airbnb, this research aimed to understand the relationship of the sharing economy to sustainable resource use when water resources are limited. A triangulated mixed method approach using User Profile Analysis (UPA), questionnaires and semi-structured interviews was undertaken to explore the practices and perceptions around resource consumption of Airbnb hosts and guests in Cape Town within a particular moment of the drought. Findings revealed that Airbnb hosts embody water-saving practices as Capetonians committed to the future of water use in the city, rather than simply tourist accommodation providers. Particular archetypes of the roles undertaken during the water crisis were also identified. Additionally, guests utilising the platform during the water crisis were found not to be deterred but rather assist water reduction within listings. The growing relationship and potential regulatory mechanisms around greening practices as a result of the partnership between the City of Cape Town and Airbnb were highlighted. Most importantly this research highlights the potential of Airbnb hosts to contribute to a transition towards sustainable resource use through innovative and intimate practices of water saving within Airbnb listings. It is hoped that this research will contribute to the growing literature surrounding the sustainability of the sharing economy as well as identify adaptive mechanisms that can be implemented with the reoccurrence of drought through climate change.

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A dissertation submitted to the Faculty of Science, in fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science. School of Geography, Archaeology and Environmental Studies University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg March 2019

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