Hotels are no longer the first choice for travelers and tourists

The emergence of new options, more economical, dynamic and personal, are shifting to hotels and hostels where travelers used to stay. The advances of technology and the rise of social networks have allowed new alternatives to come up when planning a trip. The company established in 2008 in San Francisco, California, entered the market with a novel way of offering accommodation abroad. Alejandra Jimenez had planned a trip to New York, the date of departure was approaching, and she could not find a place that fit her budget. . Due to globalization, dollarization and openness to new technologies, this trend is being installed in the country, according to sociologist Natalia Sierra. For her, in addition to economically benefiting the two parties, Is a way to integrate more with the destination. He had a spare room in his apartment. Two years ago he looked for an alternative to receive extra income and so began using Airbnb. The site was responsible for sending a professional photographer and then began receiving requests from visitors from around the world. Although at first he felt distrust and slept securely at his door, then even shared special dates like Christmas with his guests. Knowing other cultures, customs and languages, is one of the advantages that has provided this service. Departments, houses, castles or islands are available through the page. Prices vary depending on the destination and the preferences of the user. In Ecuador the options range from shared rooms to complete houses. These have a value that varies between USD 12 and 100 per night depending on the place and time of stay. Although it sounds like a great option, Airbnb can also have risks. The couple decided to go to Brazil using the same system. With their knowledge of the site, they intended to reach a site with the same amenities and cleanliness that they offer. But their experience was not so pleasant, the place was small, dirty and expensive due to the area in which it was located, and to the season in which they arrived. Due to the growth that the site has had in recent years, the company has had to face the nonconformity of the big hotel chains. In some cities in Spain it is trying to implement a law that limits this service, as tourism companies consider it an unfair competition. In New York there is a ban on renting private homes for a period of less than 30 days and is included within the law that prohibits illegal hotels. For the sociologist, there is now an expansion of the mercantile vision. Thanks to the Internet there is an emergence of barter to make the holidays cheaper, which is positive because it contributes to equitable distribution of capital, and not only concentrates on tourist centers.