Host Attitudes towards Guests in the Homestay Sector

This paper reports on an investigation into host attitudes towards guests in one segment of the homestay accommodation sector: host families. In addition to discussion of the main characteristics of hostfamilies, host attitudes to guests are examined through an adapted framework of Argyll et al. (1981); the results of statistical testing to distinguish between hosts on the basis of their commercial orientation are presented. Comparison of similarities and differences across bed and breakfast, farmhouse stays and hostfamilies are made, and suggestions are offered with regard to training and support interventions in the homestay sector concerning host-guest interactions. The implications of the findings are discussed in relation to the quality treadmill approach to training, and the possible commercialised hospitality it may engender