Since the 1990s, these services have increasingly moved away from using printed catalogues and telephone lines, but members often use Internet websites. These have grown exponentially since 2000 and as of March, 2007 over 500,000 people are registered users of these networks, which vary in operational structure, layout and geographic focus.
However, Hospitality Exchange offers much more than just free accommodation. Some members do not offer a place to stay, but instead provide dinner, a guided tour, tourist information or will help find a cheap hostel or alternative means of accommodation. Also those travellers who face most difficulties - like handicaped people - find great opportunity and help in networks like BeWelcome, where members can both invite travellers with wheelchairs (according to the accessibility of their place) and use the search function to find the very same hosts.
Motivation and quality of social networking
Basic Motivation
Why do people join social hospitality exchange networks? The basic motivating factors for membership - and they very much influence the quality of later social exchange - include:
- to meet interesting, open minded, people
- to meet locals and to gain an insider view
- to save money through the offer of free accommodation
- the wish for flexibility and freedom of choice when travelling
- to get contacts, pursue effective networking
- to improve language skills
Factors influencing the quality of exchange within Hospitality and culture exchange networks
Based upon those motivations the main factors which influence the quality of exchange have been identified to be:
- the need to be ready and willing for interaction with other members
- a friendly approach of members resulting in interest and curiosity
- the mutual seriousness and effort put into the process of establishing contact between two members
- an open and positive atmosphere within the network
- an un-judgmental approach towards other cultures
- A common ground facilitating successful communication
Opportunity, risk and limitations
But what are the opportunities, risks and limitations of how Hospitality Exchange Networks can influence the quality of social exchange between host-guest relationships?
The opportunities include:
- to discover culture and traditions through the eyes of a local
an understanding of cultures which can remove stereotypes and misunderstandings
- broadening of education
- promoting peace
- make people care about situations and conflicts in other cultures
- make them realize differences and help overcome them
The risks include:
- incomprehension, misunderstanding and stereotype thinking based on individual experiences with members
- generalization of culture according to experience
- ‘Black sheep’ abusing the network (burglary, spam or dating)
- failure to cope with confrontation of different habits and customs
The limitations include that:
- Hospitality Exchange networks mainly address open-minded and curious people
- a high level of tolerance is needed
- members are not representative for entire culture
- access may be excluded to some part of the community : lack of technical equipment, financial resources, old people, social prejudices
BeWelcome: one project, many target groups
BeWelcome is a project open to many different interest groups and backgrounds. Leisure travellers, expats and business travellers, scientists, local communities and the tourism industry as a whole - all take advantage of BeWelcome.
You want to know more?
BeVolunteer Mission Statement
BeWelcome - a new way of travelling?
Wikipedia about Hospitality exchange
Geen opmerkingen:
Een reactie posten