The Effects of Healthy and Sustainable Transportation, Commerce, and Spillover on Airbnb Performance

This study explores the effects of location variables on Airbnb listing performance. In particular, three groups of antecedents are explored: healthy and sustainable transportation systems (metro, tourist bus and bike-sharing), commerce (food and non-food establishments and shop centers) and spillover (nearby Airbnb listings). The study includes five groups of control variables, articulated in no-location variables (size, contractual terms, rules, host and guest) and one widely used location antecedent (distance to the city center). Three hypotheses are tested, all supposing a positive effect on listing revenue generated by the three additional groups of location variables (transport, commerce and spillover). The empirical study is carried out in the city of Milan (Italy), a complex destination able to attract (before the COVID-19 outbreak) different targets with an important focus on fashion and design. Four models are proposed, and empirical findings support the hypotheses. Interestingly, food shops are not significant, while the non-food and commercial centers positively affect the revenues.