What makes an Airbnb host a superhost? Empirical evidence from San Francisco and the Bay Area

• Published in: Tourism management (1982) Vol. 66; pp. 26 - 37
• Main Author: Gunter, Ulrich
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Ltd 01.06.2018
• Subjects: Airbnb; Binary response index models; Revealing preferences; Sharing economy; Superhost; Binary response index models; Airbnb; Revealing preferences; Sharing economy; Superhost
• ISSN: 0261-5177; 1879-3193
• DOI: 10.1016/j.tourman.2017.11.003

Using data on Airbnb listings from San Francisco and the Bay Area, the present study investigates the relative importance of the four criteria that need to be fulfilled to obtain the Airbnb superhost status. In order to quantify the marginal contributions of the four criteria, different index models of binary response (logit, probit, and IV probit, which allows for the endogeneity of Airbnb demand) are applied. The results, which are consistent across models, show that in San Francisco and the Bay Area obtaining (and maintaining) excellent ratings is, by far, the most important criterion, followed by reliable cancellation behavior of the host, host responsiveness, and sufficient Airbnb demand. Moreover, commercial Airbnb providers are more likely to obtain the superhost status. •The relative importance of the four Airbnb superhost criteria is investigated.•Data on Airbnb listings from San Francisco and the Bay Area are employed.•Three different index models of binary response are applied.•Obtaining excellent ratings is, by far, the most important superhost criterion.•Commercial Airbnb providers are more likely to obtain the superhost status.