Female Airbnb hosts’ empowerment and effects on quality of life

The concept of women empowerment has not been extensively examined within P2P accommodation. This study investigates female Airbnb hosts' empowerment gained through hosting on the platform. Additionally, the study examines the impact of their empowerment on their quality of life. The study applied Structural Equation Modelling to a sample of 343 female Airbnb hosts established in Greece. Findings reveal that female hosts are empowered differently in terms of the dimensions of empowerment (economic, political, social, psychological and educational) according to their hosting motives and proactive attitudes. Findings indicate that empowerment through hosting positively affects female hosts' quality of life, whereas former experience in tourism moderates their empowerment. Important theoretical and practical implications are elicited regarding gender equality in hospitality.