In my municipality during the tourist season, every hotel room and every airbnb listing is rented almost every day. This means there is literally thousands more tourists spending their money in the local economy. Hosts are also making money that is to some extent going into the local economy.

As a host, the biggest advantage airbnb offers is that guests can't book unless they can pay. And the site acts as a dispute resolution service that is fair and fast. 
Leasing is just as much work: Chasing tenants for rent, trying to weed out potential problem tenants through the application process, and watching your own DIY work and investment be damaged by uncaring occupants who have no incentive to care for the property.