Airbnb is an online platform used for short term accommodation rentals and is a typical example of the sharing economy emerging after the economic crisis of 2008. In my thesis, I focused first, on the mechanism of Airbnb operation, and what effect Airbnb produces on the urban landscape, its role in tourism gentrification, how it affects labour and resists regulation, and the resulting struggles for the right to the city. I then analysed these aspects on the example of Lisbon through a review of the literature, semi-structured interviews with some key figures in the housing issue, and an analysis of a case study with personal participation of Business X that focuses on commercial Airbnb rentals. Results demonstrate that Airbnb results in more financialisation and commodification of the real estate sector, tourism gentrification, the exodus of local residents from the city centre, and further degradation of the state of workers' rights. It also poses a great problem in terms of regulation: not only does it actively defy any attempts to curb its operations, but such action requires strong motivation on the part of local government representatives. A coordinated struggle becomes the only way the local residents can win back their right to the city.
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