A break from the accommodation mega-sites

Airbnb and Booking.com are the market leaders, but a new wave of smaller accommodation platforms are offering an alternative – and trying to give something back to local communities

Tenants illegally subletting rentals on platforms like Airbnb and Booking.com without landlord consent has made headlines recently. While these platforms have made travel more accessible, their convenience comes at a cost. Thankfully, smaller websites now offer curated options like owner-managed B&Bs, home swaps, and primary-residence rentals, avoiding the issues tied to second-home markets.

Key takeaways

• Fairbnb: A cooperative short-term rental platform launched in Venice, Fairbnb directly challenges Airbnb by aiming to "redefine tourism." It accomplishes this by exclusively listing accommodations owned and occupied by locals and donating 50% of its booking commissions to community projects collectively chosen by hosts;
• Socialbnb: Started as a student initiative in Cologne, Germany, Socialbnb connects travelers with social and environmental projects around the world. These projects often offer rooms for rent, providing unique travel experiences while supporting grassroots initiatives;
• Ecobnb: Evolving from an award-winning green travel blog, Ecobnb now features approximately 3,000 sustainable accommodations in over 55 countries. These properties-mostly small hotels and self-catering lodges in rural areas-must meet 10 sustainability criteria, such as using organic produce, recycling wastewater, and using renewable energy.

Get the full story at The Guardian