Neighborhood & Airbnb: upgrade or alteration? The case of Analipsi in Thessaloniki

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to highlight and define the dialectical relationship between the idea of "neighborhood" and the phenomenon of Airbnb. It discusses the way that neighborhood changes in modern reality via Airbnb.

Initially, essential is the study of the idea of "neighborhood", but also its re-interpretation, using the numerous analyzes for its understanding.

Then, it is studied the global tourism, and specifically a new form of tourism, known as "urban tourism". The characteristics it embraces, are authenticity and experience, which are the main pursuits of visitors. Visitors has the opportunity to experience the city, as a local.

Living the city as a local, is precisely that Airbnb operates. Airbnb is one of the most successful short-term rental companies by providing the "place", that is, the online platform through which travelers and hosts communicate and transact.

So, through the analytical study of the above concepts and theories, it is highlighted the Airbnb-neighborhood relationship and changes brought by the activity of Airbnb in the neighborhoods. These changes mainly concern permanent residents, who face rent increases and low availability of housing for long-term leases leading to displacement, while in other cases they see their daily life change. Visitors looking for the experience of local society and locality, "invade" neighborhoods, without any restriction. Thus, the neighborhood loses its essential components, such as its inhabitants, and the neighborhood-attraction is created.

As this condition appears with different characteristics from city to city and from neighborhood to neighborhood, this paper studies a special case in Greece and more specifically in the area of Analipsi in Thessaloniki. Using the studied theories and primary field research in the Analipsi area as tools, a deep analysis is made of how Airbnb influence a neighborhood in Thessaloniki, highlighting aspects of the neighborhood-attraction.