ABSTRACT
This chapter addresses the host-guest relationship developed in small accommodation businesses in the rural tourism context. Drawing on 'exchange theory' (Mauss, 1967; Wood, 1994) and findings from research conducted in rural areas of New Zealand's South Island, the discussion highlights the importance, the implications, and also the fragility of the host-guest relationship in view of the ongoing sustainable development of rural tourism. Whilst an increasing body of tourism research has considered the economic issues surrounding the role of small businesses in rural development, relatively little attention has been paid to the hostguest relationship in this tourism sector, even though it is this relationship which comprises the key 'experience' being bought and sold, particularly in the case of small hosted accommodation enterprises. Research to date that has focused on the social dynamics of tourism hospitality in the Bed and Breakfast-style accommodation sector has been useful in drawing out many of the issues and tensions inherent in the notion of commercialised hospitality. These include the question 'Can a commercial host be hospitable?' (Telfer, 2000: 42), and the tension arising from the necessity of monetary exchange in the home-based tourist accommodation sector leading to the exchange and experience of 'genuine' hospitality being diminished (Heal, 1990; Lashley, 2000; Pearce, 1990).
