Geojournal of Tourism and Geosites | 2026
Authors: Hurombo B.; Tsheko T.; Maswabi T.T.
DOI: 10.30892/gtg.65233-1738
Journal: Geojournal of Tourism and Geosites
Year: 2026
Publisher: Editura Universitatii din Oradea
Document Type: Article
Open Access: All Open Access; Gold Open Access
Cited by: 0
The Airbnb platform has provided an opportunity for locals at a destination to become entrepreneurs, using their homes to become providers of services in the economy. This study therefoe responds to growing calls by scholars for risk assessment in Airbnb entrepreneurship focusing on the small-scale hosts. Previous research on perceived risks on the Airbnb platform has largely investigated this issue in the demand side perspective and the supply side perspectives have largely been ignored. The purpose of this systematic review is thus to synthesize current knowledge on the risks faced by Airbnb micro-entrepreneurs and to evaluate the copying strategies employed to mitigate these risks. A systematic literature review method using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses (PRISMA) protocol was applied. 15 years of research published between 2010 and 2025 on the area was analysed based on five peer reviewed databases. The study presents results according to publications per year, journals publishing research, geographical distribution of articles, research methods of articles, theories utilized in the publications, risks and copying strategies in Airbnb entrepreneurship and agenda for future research. Risks include personal safety, security of property and in-house items, regulatory, service, financial, psychological, health and social related risks. Coping strategies have been suggested for each of the associated risks. The study holds practical implications to potential mop and pop Airbnb entrepreneurs as it heightens understanding of how small-scale entrepreneurs navigate complex risk associated with the field of study. The study might also motivate policymakers to design equitable regulatory frameworks that protect small hosts from being marginalized; it also enables platforms like Airbnb to balance commercial efficiency. © 2026 by the authors.
Airbnb; coping strategies; micro-entrepreneurship and short-term rentals; peer-to-peer accommodation; risks; sharing economy