On arrival the country's new "owners" will be presented with what are being described as "symbolic keys to the state" in a ceremony at the new state parliament.

Guests can organise a parade and even name a street in their honour – temporarily at least.

As well as opportunities for skiing there is wine-tasting from the Prince of Liechtenstein's personal cellar and dinner overlooking Vaduz Castle, its fairy-tale silhouette towering above the capital.

The 110-strong Liechtenstein police force will notionally be at your disposition, but since the country has one of the world's lowest crime rates their duties are more likely to consist of handing out tourist information than personal protection.

Airbnb, which is promoting the hire deal, says that while Liechtenstein's population of 33,000 will not be driven from their homes, "a large portion" of local accommodation will be made available.

Airbnb, which can accommodate groups of up to 150 people, says it's a good deal for the residents, since "each event draws heavily on local vendors and service providers for everything from accommodations and catering, to infrastructure and activity production".

Its blog continues: "Rent a Village by Xnet partners with these destinations to transform them into highly customised settings for events, corporate retreats, conferences, and more.

"With Xnet and Airbnb, events take place throughout the idyllic landscape of your host destination, not in some generic hotel."

The rapper Snoop Dogg tried to obtain exclusive access to Liechtenstein last year for a video shoot, but the plan was abandoned when his management failed to give sufficient notice for the arrival of his entourage.

Airbnb requires six months' advance notice to hire the country and the penalty for last-minute cancellations is half of the down-payment.

The travel company is expanding its operations after offering exclusive access to six Austrian villages, three German towns and one Swiss ski-resort village.

The San Francisco-based Airbnb says that its purpose is to "connect people who have space to spare with those who are looking for a place to say.

Guests can build real connections with their hosts, gain access to distinctive spaces and immerse themselves in the culture of their destinations".

A spokeswoman at the Liechtenstein Information Office, in the capital city Vaduz, said that she was "surprised" to hear that the country was for hire and wasn't aware of any imminent occupiers.