In resort/vaction areas, there were (and still are) cartel like systems in place. There are also restrictions on true "BnB" or "Inns" in that they were regulate

In resort/vaction areas, there were (and still are) cartel like systems in place. There are also restrictions on true "BnB" or "Inns" in that they were regulated like hotels are. You are definitely on to something in that the concept of a "short term rental" market has been sort of born out of AirBnB's existence but that segment is just a cross section of a larger market that has always existed, its just mostly been serviced by larger real estate developers, boutique hoteliers, hospitality management professionals, etc.