Expanding the Profile of Short Term Vacation Rental (STVR) Hosts in Savannah, GA
Abstract
This research explores the complex identities of STVR hosts through their roles as entrepreneurs and residents in the communities that they host and live. Additionally, this research studies how hosts’ fluid identity uniquely positions them as potential sustainable entrepreneurs in their community. A total of 26 in-depth interviews were conducted with hosts or STVR managers that were once hosts. As entrepreneurs, extrinsic motivations are often initial drivers for hosting but intrinsic benefits become integral to the enjoyment of hosting and an important motivator for continued participation. As residents, hosts were mixed in their sense of community but many voiced concerns over STVR impacts on their community. Lastly, many hosts already exhibit elements of sustainable entrepreneurship through listing specific efforts to reduce waste i.e. advertising compost bins to guests or promoting minority-owned businesses to guests
