Publication: A Comparative Sentiment Analysis of Airbnb Hosts and Barcelona Locals Amid Short-Term Rental Policy Reforms
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Type
Thesis
Degree
BA
Date
2025
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Published Version
Abstract
This thesis explores the impact of STRs, in particular Airbnbs, on socioeconomic and demographic variables in Barcelona. Both district-level and sentiment data are analyzed to compare concern gaps between Airbnb hosts and Barcelona residents. A mixed-methods approach with multiple regression models assess the effect of Airbnb listings (as of 2025) to foreign resident density, work location, rental prices, and other variables. This analysis is then complemented with a qualitative sentiment and LDA topic modelling of Airbnb host Reddit discussions, compared to 2024 local municipal survey results. The findings identify a stronger correlation between Airbnb listings and work location than to household prices. Additionally, demographic shifts are strongly associated with Airbnb presence in central districts. This study concludes that a major concern asymmetry is observed between directly affected users (Barcelona residents) and indirectly affected ones (hosts). As a result, a reconsideration of policy reforms and further qualitative research is suggested for the case-study of STR presence in Barcelona, Spain.