ABSTRACT
Commercial second homes operating as holiday rentals are an important and undervalued sector of the tourism economy. Research conceptualises second homes as lifestyle projects but collectively they form a critical mass and provide a valuable regional economic contribution. Known as micro-enterprise self-contained accommodation (MSA), this exploratory study of three Australian destinations investigates MSA networks from a key stakeholder perspective. Interviews and secondary data are used to gain insights into a sector hampered by stakeholder lack of knowledge. Results uncover a largely invisible MSA sector excluded from most destination development initiatives. Digital marketing platforms such as Airbnb are thriving as they occupy the untapped and undervalued space.
