While I’m not here, I can still welcome you home: how space–guest interactions shape P2P accommodation appeal

Purpose This study aims to compare the effects of space–guest interactions with online host–guest interactions and clarify the impacts of dominant space–guest interaction types (hedonic vs utilitarian) and subjects (initiated by the host vs previous guests) on peer-to-peer (P2P) accommodation appeal through the serial mediation of guests’ perceived surprise and sense of proximity. Design/methodology/approach Five experiments (including two duplicates) were conducted. Data were collected from 970 guests who had recently stayed in and were interested in P2P accommodation. Findings Study 1 showed that space–guest interactions positively affect P2P accommodation appeal more than online interactions. Study 2 revealed that hedonic interactions enhance P2P accommodation appeal more than utilitarian interactions. Study 3 indicated that guest–initiated interactions were more positive than host-initiated interactions. Moreover, perceived surprise and sense of proximity serially mediated the relationship between space–guest interactions and P2P accommodation appeal. Practical implications This study provides valuable guidance for P2P accommodation platforms and hosts to achieve business success. Platforms can highlight space–guest interactions in their listings to gain a competitive advantage, whereas hosts can provide a pleasant physical space to satisfy guests within their limited resources. Originality/value This study highlights the novelty and significance of space–guest interactions and clarifies their effects on P2P accommodation appeal by examining the dominant space–guest interaction types and subjects. In addition, it extends the expectancy violations theory by exploring the cognitive process through perceived surprise and sense of proximity.