If only we could build some really dense buildings just for tourists to rent with just individual rooms (with bathrooms), a little fridge maybe, and some amenities like pools and gyms. Imagine how much of this problem that would solve.
I am using Airbnb purposefully to avoid hotels and enjoy the authentic locations. I like to experience for a week how it feels to be part of that neighborhood. Hotels are all alike, no matter where you go. I would use hotels when I travel for work, but when I am with my wife I prefer a cozy AirBnb with a terrace and view.
At one point I was in Amsterdam and rented an apartment in one of those 3-window wide tall houses, they had a flight of stairs going straight up for 3 floors in a line at 45% angle. Interesting experience pulling my suitcase to the attic.
Another time I was in Tokyo in the Roppongi district. My flat was at ground level. An old lady (the proverbial "obaasan") was watering the flowers from the outside and took care to splash us with some water while we were sitting in the balcony. I also had to learn their garbage sorting rules.
That's what I am looking for, and I am not turning back to using hotels.
Here's the thing - you aren't. You don't contribute anything other than a modest payment, you enjoy the "culture and views."
And because the apartment you are staying in isn't regularly occupied, it's not really part of the neighborhood anymore than a bench would be.
That person, for better or worse, would be part of a community and contribute to it.
At some point, a community resembles swiss-cheese because so many people who would otherwise be in the community are absent because the housing they'd live in is absent. AirBNB's are just one part of this equation though.
I've only seen this on rare occasions in North America
Have to be careful about that one to avoid "company towns", but otherwise that seems like a good idea.