Hosting Guests in Rural New Zealand
Hosting Guests in Rural New Zealand: A Social Analysis of the Bed and Breakfast and Homestay Sector
By Dr Hazel Tucker and Donna Keen
Executive Summary
Home-hosted accommodation has now become a significant component of New Zealand's tourist accommodation sector. This report deals specifically with the host-guest relationship and the implications of this relationship for both the tourist experience and the sustainability of certain social and business environments. This research uses a mixed methodology of qualitative and quantitative data. Participant observation and in-depth interviews with hosts and guests in hosted accommodation are primarily used to form an in-depth investigation of host-guest interaction and experience. Surveys of motel guests are also used to compare the accommodation preferences of these two sectors.
In New Zealand, the bed and breakfast (B&B) and homestay sector has experienced rapid growth within the past ten years. However, whilst an increasing body of tourism research has considered the economic issues surrounding the role of small businesses in rural development, relatively little attention has been paid to the host-guest relationship in this tourism sector. The unique experience gained derives largely from the host-guest relationship which is invariably closer and more intense than in other types of accommodation.
The home hosting experience not only provides a valuable experience for the guests but also a positive experience for the hosts. Home-hosting is usually a lifestyle choice, and this adds to the importance of considering the ways in which the social interactions between hosts and guests can be managed to ensure the best possible experience for both parties.
This research report addresses the issues of privacy, advertising, accommodation set-up, the involvement of guests in the 'home' environment and dealing with the problematic contradiction of 'commercial hospitality'. Conclusions and recommendations are made concerning the effective management of these issues. Key recommendations include:
- Creating private space for hosts and guests but also the ability for guests to join hosts in their living area.
- Including information about hosts and 'hosting style' in advertising material.
- Providing a range of local area information and recommendations.
- Emphasising the unique qualities of the hosts and home and avoiding standardization.
Finally, it is suggested that these recommendations apply not only to the home-hosted accommodation sector, but also to other sectors of the tourism industry where the interaction between the operator and customer resemble a host-guest relationship.
The full 34 page report can be purchased from the Department of Tourism: tourism@business.otago.ac.nz
NZ$25 including GST and postage