Características y evolución de la oferta de alojamiento de Airbnb en una ciudad Patrimonio Cultural de la Humanidad. Caso Cuenca (Ecuador)

Currently, innovative business models have emerged in terms of operation, through electronic management means, such as Airbnb (accommodation), are present almost worldwide, under the name of collaborative economy, have a pre-dilection for locating in urban settlements consolidated as historical centers; Cuenca, Cultural Patrimony of the Humanity is not the exception. However, they generate discomfort to traditional business models and undermine the authenticity, integrity and heritage values of cultural assets built by virtue of a probable oversupply of accommodation. This descriptive study was conducted through the collection of historical data (2010 -2017) of the Airbnb offer (web page) for Cuenca, and, aims to put in context the characteristics and evolution of this type of offer in a patrimonial city context, resulting in a trend towards the concentration of this type of establishments in historical and heritage areas; In addition, there is evidence of a downward trend in tariffs in the face of pressure to reduce the prices of regulated establishments. This phenomenon has effects beyond tourism, so it is alarming the lack of policies of control and regulation by the public sector, laziness around innovation by the private sector, the lack of studies and the erosion of heritage built culture and housing in relation to the increase of an informal offer.