A Widespread Hospitality Towards a Historic Neighbourhood: Strengths and Threats of the Airbnb Platform in the Old Cairo Community Perception

The rise of the collaborative economy has transformed global tourism through peer-to-peer platforms such as Airbnb, enabling alternative lodging options and reshaping traditional hospitality models. This study examines the phenomenon of diffuse guest accommodations in Old Cairo, a historic neighborhood characterized by rich architectural heritage and cultural traditions, where private homes are informally used to host visitors without regulatory oversight. The research aims to assess the socio-economic and cultural implications of Airbnb-driven practices, exploring stakeholder perspectives, including residents, visitors, professionals, scholars, and government officials—on their potential for sustainable tourism development. Using qualitative methods, the study analyzes community attitudes toward strengths such as economic opportunities and cultural exchange, alongside perceived threats including heritage degradation and lack of governance. Findings reveal broad support for integrating these practices into formal tourism frameworks, recommending the introduction of a new sub-classification under the Egyptian Tourism Federation and Ministry of Tourism. The study concludes that collaborative micro-economic systems, if strategically managed, can foster sustainable tourism while preserving cultural identity in historic urban contexts.