Review of short-term rentals and their potential social impact

Abstract

This paper reviews the development of short-term rentals (STRs) and discusses their potential social impacts within historic neighborhoods. The paper focuses on cultural heritage tourism, the characteristic of cultural travelers, and emphasizes the importance of community. The growth management of STRs in neighborhoods are also discussed in order to sustain tourism, but prevent displacement. South San Antonio neighborhoods along the San Antonio Missions World Heritage Buffer Zone are selected as a case study. These neighborhoods are originally outside of the tourist bubble but this fact has recently started to change because of the 2015 WHS inscription. The methodology includes review of short-term rentals in the San Antonio neighborhoods and data collection from the Development Services Department on regulated, unregulated, and grandfathered STRs. The findings of this paper will help cities understand the importance of managing STRs and its social impact, and how regulations can help keep the original essence of life in these historic neighborhoods and prevent gentrification.