Maartje Roelofsen’s research has focused on the socio-spatial impacts of tourism on urban space and everyday life. She has studied how digital platforms that enable short-term rental economies (such as Airbnb) affect housing in cities as well as people’s understanding of home and hospitality. Her empirical work has taken place in cities in the Netherlands, Bulgaria, Denmark and Spain.
At the KOI Urban Inequalities event, Maartje will be talking about the presence and development of short-term rental platform Airbnb in Sofia. Her talk addresses how this particular platform economy has unevenly manifested itself within the urban context and has only selectively benefited Airbnb users over time. A few considerations will be provided on more inclusive platform alternatives.