The impact of regulatory approaches targeting collaborative economy in the tourism accommodation sector: Barcelona, Berlin, Amsterdam and Paris

This paper has been commissioned by the European Commission’s DG GROWTH to examine the impact of regulatory approaches targeting collaborative economy in the tourism accommodation sector in the cities of Barcelona, Berlin, Amsterdam and Paris. In relation to tourism, the growth of the collaborative economy peer-to-peer accommodation sector has significant impacts for traditional tourism industry structures and relationships. The growth of the collaborative economy peer-to-peer accommodation market has led to a diversification of accommodation stock, it has led to increased competition, and it has stimulated a range of ancillary services offered by small and micro-entrepreneurs. However, incumbent industry actors (such as hotels, apartment hotels, bed and breakfasts, hostels and vacation rentals) are concerned about the uneven regulatory landscape and the unfair competition this may create. Municipal governments and host communities are also raising concerns over the impact of unregulated tourist accommodation within residential neighbourhoods and the conflicts that are emerging due to the changing commercial nature of traditional residential areas close to city centres. In many cities across Europe, there have also been considerable concerns raised over the conversion of residential stock, and particularly social housing, into commercially oriented peer-to-peer tourist accommodation.

The objectives of the report are:
1. To compare and contrast the different regulatory measures that have been put in place in each of the four cities.
2. To assess the impacts of regulatory approaches adopted in each city on different groups of stakeholders and on the destination in general.
3. To analyse policy practices and make recommendations with respect to good practice.